L.L- 



,C4Wj 

C-O^sf Z 

FT MEADE 
GenColl NSfc -^ 






•*W"HT. Wt Hi,H, mM)1:1J .. 










mm 










- W '****-* 

' 3^ 










































































































































< 


































































































































































































































* y 











s 
















































. 







































































































































PUBLIC FORUMS iH CHICAGO 


Compiled, by the 
WORKERS OF THE WRITERS' PROGRAM , 
of the 

WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION 
in the State of Illinois 

L JL - ' —» mj 


Sponsored by 

ADULT EDUCATION COUNCIL 

I 

of Chicago 
1940 


i 140 






L C ^S3 

.Ci vh 

r *rl K 


-t tjcj beXlqraoO 


0.iq • ■ • ‘tj,™ inT to BKZS&Or 


?'■■ •' Id 




UtKAKY Of CflNGWESS 

r JAN241941 

j v*. - '.1 *• • vv.Ult'S 

». . ■ - 


ow 








FEDERAL WORKS AGENCY 


John M. Carmody, Administrator 


WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION 
Howard 0. Hunter, Acting Commissioner 
Florence Kerr, Assistant Commissioner 
Charles E. Miner, Administrator for Illinois 
Evelyn S. Byron, Director Professional and Service Division 
Robert I. McKeague, Chief Community Service Section 









Y0H2KA &SJK lASa-Vi- 

, 


«CTTAa? 8IIHI«A 7 TxftOW 

isaolsalwiou ^aiJcA ,7aJ*u/H *0 Jin v v cH 
■xonoieaimmoO l:\r4t- >.k »Tii>X torsi 

aiertilll toY Tdv«i*6i:;iffiJbA ,'xen/i,( ,S 'a? 
n.'lzlvtH »z>ivj&8 bn3 .Urtola*:- i o^osi’u ,«ov .2 n'clsv® 
aoiioad aolvnoZ y^Simsrr.oZ laic?;. ,o_~y.-'»2cM . I JiarfoS 





CONTENTS 


Page No* 

Preface .... 

Foreword ........ . 

Part I Introduction .. . 

Chapter I. Forums to the Fore ...... , . 7 

Chapter II. Background of Forums in Chicago . . 20 

Part II. Protest Forums ............. 

Chapter III. History .............. 31 

Chapter IV. Protest Forums in Chicago Today • . 48 

Chapter V. The Forum World . ..... 58 

Part III. Non-Partisan Community ... . 

Chapter VI. Pre-War History . 61 

Chapter VII. Non-Partisan Community Forums 

in Chicago today. . 72 

Part IV. Bird’s Eye View of the Chicago Fo¬ 
rum Scene.. 

Chapter VIII. Bird’s Eye View of Chicago 

Forum Scene. 85 

Part V. Evaluation.. 

Chapter IX. Evaluation ... .. 95 


Appendix 























...... • . 

, , - . ' . i •’ ■ ' 

. 

. 

- 

• 7. -i ' • • :-fl ' " 1 ;: 

oi ssrviri si 

- 1 ,r •-.?! '. tv jr; r - ci ' 

......... .... O: ■ a rr f : 

B J ’ .. V 

. 

c ............ . . 2 i i ' 

' 













PREFACE 


Like all work done in the Writers 1 Program of the Work 
Projects Administration, this "book is a product of col¬ 
lective offort# In all fairness, however, the major 
part of the research and writing of "Public Forums in 
Chicago” was the work of a writer of the staff of the 
Illinois Writers’ Project, Miss Sophia Fagin. She de¬ 
serves to receive the major part of the credit# 


CURTIS D. MACDOUGALL 
State Supervisor 

Illinois Writers’ Project 



fr 0 '* or : 7 y, (n : r.,y^ ’aurlV •; > «J - "so* show XI* ox Id 
^Xoo '10 to.-. . Vi. r. «*1 rforf sir:? fl .v-.<*n4alair.:JiA • ' • •, • • 
tcfcn .'■ . - «< .n'l?’" CJ ft I .-X'AXi -' vr 


V- 

C * ’ 


4 


. 

'• • 




. • 

!.:. ivrte * •:?. 

's-ivti’i'- -i/ .; f111 



FOREWORD 


The year 1940, critical as it is in our national life, has 
placed great stress upon forum leaders. Too often the forum platform 
is being hsed to promote a particular type of propaganda. This must be 
guarded against, for, if the forum is to serve a valid educational pur¬ 
pose, which we identify with the process of democracy, then it must be 
kept from becoming the agent of any "blue print" group. 

During the past fifteen years the number of forums throughout 
the country has increased steadily, yet it would appear that the first 
blush enthusiasm for the forum has abated. 

Indeed, the forum technique appears less important than we once 
thought it, and becomes in the minds of many merely one of the valid 
methods of adult education. 

The present examination of the forums in Chicago indicates 
clearly that this judgnent is correct. Because of its unbiased approach, 
it is a welcome contribution to the literature of adult education. 

The Adult Education Council is glad to sponsor the publication 
of this report which it believes will be useful to those who may wish to 
understand and develop the forum method in a program of continuing edu¬ 
cation. 


Ralph McAllister 

Director 



' 

. •’ " • '?ii 


• * i - 






*xi . 
















v •• -rf, 


•• •• • r 

•« ■■■' V >• 





’■ 


- VJ . 


. 





PART r 


INTRODUCTION 






CHAPTER I 


FORUMS TO THE FORE 


Popularity of forums today 

A new class of forum fans 
The sphere of forum influence 

Something new and different? 

The Greeks had a Word for It 
The American Way 

Background of the contemporary forum 
Prerequisites 

Free speech and assemblage 
Urbanism 

Precipitating causes 

Socialization of the church 
The current depression 
The war threat 

Deliberate efforts of adult educators 

Defining our terms 

Two kinds of forums 

Protest forums 
Status quo forums 


A Forum movement? 








x amAHC 

•• 0 • $ F T 0 ?. U U f. o : 



V '• • ' i. v f 1 


saY: Tina: *:• r .o ■ i.- 

' CO • v . ■ v 

V • I . i . ' .. • •*? 

;j ■ i.■ ■ s / ■ i i 

vs T ' r'Mcji'soj;iA haT 

. •; : • • •. ... .f, ‘ ~ ‘ 

83J J t?’X'pQ^lSI 4 ! 

v.b iriadnU 

B ‘fix ro ■ : iOQ i 1 ■ ’ 

... : ° • •- ■ 
n isayiqtb 3 /r. ' • ' ■ ■ - 

. Si'.:-y - r,- or'T '" 

. .'?•••> tlubn \c dT'ixiTt& • * •*' 


• ■ • ?.■■ 

ec i ■ o -i. . •‘••'•iji-' . .• 

£■••>. ‘ . 'l • ' i' 

. . :■■}?■" •. • •• 

■ : t. rr. : ' 






7 


POPULARITY OF FORUMS TODAY 

A New Class of Forum Fans 


There was a time, not so long ago, when "forumitis" was re¬ 
stricted to tho intellectual underworld. Ambitious high school grad¬ 
uates registered for university extension courses, genteel matrons be¬ 
longed to cultural clubs, and business men attended their occasional 
lectures; but forums were for radicals and half-caste dilettantes only. 

Today the situation seems to be changing. The federal govern¬ 
ment sponsors a nation-wide program of ’'demonstration forums" and calls 
them "Democracy's Citadels." Churches find a larger turn-out for Sun¬ 
day evenings forums on international politics than for religious ser¬ 
vices. Y.M.C.A. secretaries offer "lecture-forums" in the educational 
routine; and go-betweens from bohemia have upholstered the soapbox and 
moved it to Michigan Avenue, Sponsors of the "forum movement" ask for 
mass support and promise huge dividends in good citizenship, in pre¬ 
venting revolutions and fascism, and in forestalling clashes between 
labor and capital. 

An enthusiastic feature article in a business and professional 
women's magazine examplifies the current fashionabloness of forums. 

It begins: 


An old associate of mine, Elinor Myreck, and 
two of her friends have had tho forum bee buzzing 
in thoir bonnets for about a year. They go to 
forums, tune in Thursday nights on America's Town 
Meeting of the Air, and read The New York Times 
to keep in ammunition for heckling. Although they 
are courteous and fair, it is a matter of princi¬ 
pal with them to rumple stuffed shirts who hope to 
get by comfortably with banal ideas imbedded in a 
"ghosted" speech. They've turned their clubs, 
their dinner parties, and their evenings at homo 
into free-for-alls for discussions." 1 


* Kimball, A. M. "Forums are Fun" Independent Woman 15:313, October,1936 





ML 1 ' - m J2Ll~2J2VM£i%!Z 

S mfz fflirtol to aselO woW A 


«*i mm *«** *w I o« «*>*** * 3£W . 

rf-Urt ai/oMldmA .JbI*xovnaf>iui I^ctooJXe^;: v;-, o* £a I 

-o ' -Lc-i.-trv laoiflos ,aaruioo. aoWxs vjUvoviw iot Loiaisi^i ao^&y 
' ■ • 

*o~V£*d to aisolto 10 : answ enurxct iutS .aanxtfoel 

... - .-,a : -;r.- ad o* ameoa nc : • ».:. : ■-•■ * ■• -•- 

t^oic obiv-aoxiM g aioaftoqa *&•* 

-;,r;3 101 jHro-n*urt 1^061 B fmrt ewrfomdO M .aXaftanG 8 »M«(vjeu ro ® a * 
^98 ex/oi .Hoi 'tot BC4‘.i BoiilJn Uaoii&niairJ ao erunot a^atovo 
IsvioiiBOtsbs >:..i fli "sfiuno't-s^ooX" wVlo aelie*9ioo& •A.j.M.T 
£>«<-. ..oc/qsos orti fcai^tslort-u; avert molt ea»aw*arf-c-;i to 

- 

:. -■ • ' ■■■"• : • ■ • • 

-Ln^ic.^r- ban zoom! 


' ' • • 

■. . *noI ioidfc£ • ’ ; • 


bos ,Uoa*.';i: loailS t o«im to ojsiooaoe r..fo / A 
j.ni -sua v cf curtol odt to ovat. etoint i..-:' to owl 
. vJ o-;. ^ortT *ibov, s i/rocm not etoa&c<S iloriJ III 
*i#oT n •eci-w-JL ;io e*rf:Mfi v-iwotortT ni ,:. ; -;rr*o'i 

f ... , - ’ ■ 

X'->rtT”foriVlA .VxtXdoaii lot noi^ixumsuB .ri jmt ci 
■ 

. . 

is ni babbodrai smbt lexiso ri: 1 i - . vlrtei3®£ 

# B<fcfXo liorft tonurl ev *•. .. • 

ociori agfllaovo %fc©lil bv: ^aeiilAq 
*-»8xxoi8i u oaJ , 


,Sl£ifii cuanof Jaaitfieqatorl oia inaiiiol" «M .A ,IL H 






8 


A New Class of Forum Fans 


A similar, though more prosaic, picture of the growing forum popularity 
is available when we check the number of references under the head, 
"forum" in the indexes of the American Journal of Adult Education , 

There is a distinct upward trend, from no references at all in 1929 and 
1930, and only four references in 1931, to 17 references in 1937, 


The Sphere of Forum Influence 


Does this mean that the entire nation has become forum-con¬ 
scious? The answer is no. Poople who work in forums or study forums 
are likely to lose perspective; they tend to judge others by themselves* 
From the pens of such as these come the optimistic articles we read con¬ 
cerning the "forum movement," Certainly if the mythical man-from-Mars 
interviewed the mythical man-on-the-street, he would be more impressed 
with the affect of the jitter-bug than of the "forum-bee" reputed to be 
buzzing in our collective bonnet. 

What then is the forum's sphere of influence today? What role 
does it play in modern times and how did it get that way? What hope is 
there for a forum future? 

Unfortunately these are questions that cannot be answered pre¬ 
cisely; for even if it were possible to count noses in all forum audi¬ 
ences over a period of time, still it would not be possible to measure 
precisely the extent to which those who attended have been influenced, 
the extent to which they have become more informed, or more reasonable, 
or more democratic. 

Therefore we can only hope to give an approximate answer to 
these questions. But in this hope we undertake a survey of forums in 
Chicago. We review the most conspicuous examples of forum life in this 
country. We traco the history of forums - both in the nation and in 
this city. We visit several local forums and meet the active partisans 
of the "forum movement," We linger a while among the denizens of the 
forum world. 

Finally, emerging from the forum past and present, we try to 





9 

.<wrt i'i lo- ser.i- w‘jK A 

Hslrcroq ru/v't ^:vr', a to eu/#o*q .ciaacnq aic» :i, r/.qj f ir.Xirai8 A 

•. a* v isMfnam eriJ sloarfo ew neiiw tidal tafa el 

•'• •’ ' - 

8. CSOrTjTfl^ Sa eooil ' ’ '■ ,*!»«#■ trtamqa tsalteib a > 

. 

3oaoi<I'inI 5 r i«oi "to 3*2jrfqS off ; 1 
*»*lOO-«^n. 38f>' ::oi:3‘" i ’ ino t.U i rf* A-* e 


OO 07 D5JXJ •« ■ 

• 

v j. . . r.-: u ■■■■>•■ O'- ■' • ' : : 


' "•■ •; " . . . 

• 0 . '•' 

• ; ■ ...: ' ’ ' : ' '' . ' 

.. . • ■• . 

t ■ ■; „ i-t- i> ■■ ‘ •••i' •'• ’ ‘ ' 

. r J 

ocf 'i ■ . .oa ovls ' • • ’ ’ . • 

. r - ri r ■ ■ , .. • j: ", . . 

• • 

. . s ■ - • * • 

' O . .It: • 'i » 

„ ,. * 

,;f »w f I;: k 80 . ' . 





9 


arrive at some fair notion of the forum future - not only from an offi¬ 
cial point of view, trut from the perspective of the butcher, the baker 
and the candlestick maker - all of whom we interview on the subject* 


SOMETHING NEW AND DIFFERENT? 


The Greeks had a Word for It 


Although the forum has become known as "The American Way" of 
democracy, the origin of the word dates back more than 2000 years to the 
"Forum Ronanun,” This was a flat area between the Palatine end Capitol-* 
ine hills in which merchants sold their wares, the money changers con¬ 
ducted their business, the government had its chambers, and the tribunes 
addressed the people# Citizens, gathered there to hear their represen¬ 
tatives, did not themselves debate; they merely approved in a sort of 
oral plebiscite. Non-official discussion must have arisen, of course - 
naturally, informally, end as a by-product of the Forum’s function of 
commercial center. 

The Greeks with a similar set-up as the center of their city 
life, had a different word for it. That word was "Agora." 

Down through history, in all countries and times, wherever free 
speech has been at all possible, informal gatherings as in the.Roman 
"Forum" have been held at market-place, government chambers, or general 
store* These gatherings have been known by a variety of names. 

None of them is the exact prototype of the modern American fo*. 

rum. 


The American Way 

Thus forums are not entirely new on the American scene, either. 
Forum enthusiasts tell us the idea is as old as the nation, and point to 



1 /; ... • ■■ . •• } '.\ 'i ! :;j ,-ivt. i * •• J :'i.si 

. •> . t . 1 :: - ' :ioi 



I'. ■■■■ IC *.;* v 

iv’-’ ■ »< •■••yt •'vl 

. ' . • . ' • : ■ : . : : J . ll .. .. . , - ••••.: 

- i • > >; -j • - ?. J. i! , . ;• ,T .. 

. i •/ >• ••• •. • : > > hi . ,;■-** • I; ,-it 

.». r{*t* • ,. • ,.*>*'& f .. 1 i :>•;.•» i «rv *: 

. ■ ■* ' • • . : • •. / • • : ; " • . • .. 

; tj . 1 • • • • ■; • • • f • •• • ■ • • , ' ' ! 

- ; . : : . S3 i . - . . •; l ■. 

■ ■ ' ■ { ' . * U t ••:••• . . . : , • j : 

} i .f.v. i 

V ■ ‘ ' "i'T.-. ;|f; -,<•.» * , , j Jr, if} .I’m • • 

l *.• :• * ' -V>;• » - . 4 vl..« j. •; • . ( 

w•' t ! ■ ■ »« • : i ftfxtmQ . U . 

: i oi *vi j. : ' ..v'.c: t Iii. i.. >\. ; 

m '»:• »‘it- .'/• v , -r; ; I 

; - • H ' 1 ■ i '•>;) . r.’V : ' , . t 

« 

«*v>^ nrvi'i •• ■ :• ■ • ,t r, ■ : .'■■■■■ , . • 


•.v-V v> •• v i-V 

ti * •• Ss ‘-s'-.: .• ■ f .< s>. i: • ■ .1 O', • ■ :;. ; 

. • ini . ' • : ; • • „ ■ 



10 


the Now England town hall, the Lyceum and Chautauqua as the direct an¬ 
cestors of the modern forum and as the bearers of a tradition of free 
public discussion. 

Investigation shows, however, that no genetic connection ex¬ 
ists between these agencies. Nor are they alike in thoir use of dis¬ 
cussion or their exaraplification of democracy. 

The town meeting had governmental powers, and in ideal cases 
internally exemplified an active democracy. At the same time a propor¬ 
tion of the townsmen and all the women were disfranchised on grounds of 
property, religion, sex, or color, and therefore had no part in the meet¬ 
ing. 


The Lyceums, founded in the 1820’s in New England to publicize 
the free public education movement, were largely rural cultural socie¬ 
ties where several points of view could be heard from the same platform; 
but audience participation does not seem to have been a regular part of 
the proceduro. 

This was also true of the Chautauqua, which in its original 
form was a Sunday school teachers’ training camp. In both of its two 
present forms, i.e., as a summer school resort for students-at-large 
with no educational prerequisites and as a traveling show of ’’culture," 
entertainment, and education, Chautauqua tends to avoid controversial 
issues* 


However, Town Meeting, Lyceum and Chautauqua may have all been 
the egression of an intellectual, discussional, and debating tradition 
to which the public forum is the present heir. 


Background of the Contemporary Forum 


Of course this tradition is not uniquely American. And the 
French salon, the Czech sokol, the English debating societies are all 
cousins to the forum. 

It seems, however, that before any of these can flourish, cer- 


. rsts&s.'Ttssss 

. 

: e 10 noit&ox *x~ >y+ - '-•*■• 

» Wi»i«n to- .«*’» *•' "' - 1 • • • **••* • . . 

. tr , „4 P -aW nl a 1 3K6I ni 1 

- 

■ I >.•;•• i&tfptst turds 0 ufjx ®* w ? n ;; 

* • - •? ' ' . 

• ’ •* : 

; '■ Umw^i'M «uJiB> t vps ■ ' ' 

. -V ; .... , 

'.'• • •. • : • Vf V ." Vi. ' » ■ . 


. ; : I t &iU»eM tmof ^ovswoH 

• ■ : v \ - / . - • • ■ * • 


U 

of 


atnoZ ‘o<ofl9fnoO i-r!f lo bnixoa.SJ *orE 

■ ‘ . *- • . .. rtv • . 


1 i. . 


‘ * *» .; 


*.• -.i • ■ ■ '- - '"t‘ w <*«■ *1 aoli t! >ezt ■ 

- .... ' • ■ ... ....... 

. '’♦jpurtoli 

*•• *'•* ’ 

..... • • ■ • • 


n 


tain prerequisites and precipitating causes in the social setting are 
necessary. 


Prerequisites 


Free Speech and Assemblage 

These must be at least legal possibilities; else how could 
there be developed an active habit of free speech - which is, of course, 
what the forum implies. While we need not now comment on the claim that 
forums make for greater democracy, we can recognize that forums as we 
conceive of them cannot exist under a non-democratic form of government. 
It is interesting to note that in the particularly non-democratic periods 
in the United States, agencies of controversy either redirect their en¬ 
ergies or go out of business. Thus we learn that 

The lyceums as such practically ceased to exist 
at the time of the Civil War, There were too 
many distractions and public sentiment was too 
overwrought for the public discussion of the 
outstanding moot questions of that trying pe¬ 
riod,* 

In the World War period, too, the Chautauqua institutions found them¬ 
selves without support, for the substantial citizens were busy selling 
Liberty Bonds; and the most prominent forum sponsors of this period, 
who had prior to the war espoused the ideal of presenting all sides of 
a controversial issue, concluded that the war was not a controversial 
issue, but that the forum could be of “great aid to the nation in the 
present crisis.“ Forums, they claimed "stimulate patriotism" by pro¬ 
viding an "intelligent basis for enthusiasm. Without an intellectual 
understanding, diverse classes of people cannot come together." 

Thus American history indicates that democrary is a prerequi¬ 
site of an active forum movement. 


* 1. John S. Noffsinger, Correspondence Schools, Lyceums and Chautau- 
quas (New York; MacMillian Co., 1928), p. 113 





II 


eie '■-Miiios Iriooe 'rS: ill aaai/fio :%a*d«dIqiooTcr b.; r . 83 i.*is/x'pea* *<j nt" 

• i *-'.«fiS909U 




■ ■ . . 


' J ...•• te : • 

" % fti lio/riw - 'rfoooqa' ooa't to svj^ ,i 

r'jitsMtoo won Jlon aoort »w aliriW ,8©ilqml aunot odd 

• - : • «r : M MKinot u.iii 93? In 

. ' •' 

■ 


; a . . ' 

1 aHaoi »w a^fPT *as•-•. io duo ao 


r.l 

TO 


ctBixo od fio.D^oo ullooidosaq rfox/8 an a.ucroo^i r:T 
06# saow eaoriT .ne^ XxviC odd to .amid '.:. 

_ 

■ , ■ " '• 
to efto.ro . i • 

... .. . * .frolt 

■ ■■'■ ■ . ■■ ’ • 

-^exid oaow paos/dis laidoadadx/jB 'odd Hot ‘.j-jo: qtfa ijjodt Iw eevlaa 

■ - • ' : : 

' >bi .*d1 jtositoqao a.air odd od v aoia?j l*ftd o d* 

' i&ik*»v6fi$aoo' jb don eew Haw v- ' 

. • • • 

'XauddaXIadni aa 'iifQdtxy \m9Al90xLiat 'Hot adaatf tnaglll d: I" na plMv 


. - atti&v&K itxraot 


V I'. 


,i.'% to 


: a 


. e: • S fid >L .1 * 

■ GII . ,o5 oftlliiMo-x*l ;^xoT woK) aagp 





12 


Prerequisites 


Urbanism 


In a sense the forum is a product of urbanism, also* For un¬ 
less life is complex end many-sided, people do not neod an expert to 
interpret for them; rumor and gossip take the place of news. Glonn 
Frank makes the comparison between the urban ’'public 1 ’ which forms pub¬ 
lic opinion" by reading headlines on the subway train and the public at 
the village post office which, by informal parliament, arrives at a 
well-thought-out thorough public opinion. He concludes that we urban¬ 
ites require a substitute for the informal parliament end that the fo¬ 
rum is such a substitute. 

The forum may be regardod a product of the contradictions be¬ 
tween democracy which makes public participation in politics obligatory 
and urbanism which makes that participation difficult; it is a correc¬ 
tive for large-scale production and monopoly of public opinion. As the 
control of the press, radio, moving picture, school system, etc., be¬ 
comes increasingly centralized, the man on the street becomes further 
removed from opinion forming agencies. He is expected to participate 
actively in democracy, but he has little means of such participation. 
Nation-wide hook-ups and news syndicates have usurped the job of making 
and discussing policy. His sources of information are partial and un¬ 
reliable; means of discussing this information are lacking. Then the 
forum is suggested as a "place for the ordinary citizen" and to counter¬ 
act the influence of the highly depersonalized and monopolized dispens¬ 
ers of news, and molders of public opinion. In this aspect the forum 
represents a sort of intellectual back-to-the people and back-to-the- 
town movement. 


Precipitating Causes 


In addition to theso general causes there are several factors 
in our immediate social situation which particularly encourage forums. 

Socialization of the Church 

Everyone is familiar with the fact that the churches are no 
longer so devoted to other-worldly matters as formerly. Sociologists 
tell us that the church has become "secularized," by which they mean 




J. 


ao • f atupb . 'j vT 


c?in ii' 


, '. otis aaaoa «. nl 

• * 

;jxj•• E "\. >fl lori'Ji • jflioxli - *:■-'*cfio^nJ 

• • f 208X1 rr. jtOJttt 

. f ; *«* 

, .. • ■ jr.ic^n*. _<v ,r£oixiv* ooixro 1?.oa o&i— 

-nadu. ow . . jo •uldi/q n tro-xcds Sjjo-trt? : voti r~IIow 

wSx ir.J'idx. <*•. 2 • Jin 


* • >di froiq e J>©fcij3£0T od ipco: ptr/o* od? ••• “ ■ ••* 

t ■ : " ■' 

- • : 1' j . •.•*.;• , .* ; ; '* «r .2 v- J S. vxJU '0 3 

■ •. •’ j . • •' , . 

«„• ■ ■ ■ 

; 'DA# 

• • J ■ ■ • 

«?t4aao od ! slSi: •;'< iVittao j^/a- 

• .• 'i;.; 

■ 7 -■■■.• . i,/, ,• •' 

» 

' ,SA >aitiVom /rwoS 


e •».?xjfjO J" ; .ic -j% ? 


PJ .floiSiiiiift aX . • 

* 


.m. " . :o :>, •• 7l 


' 




<■' i. -T. - . -r, ■ . • 

8»M xunxrifo nrid S tfiS gj IlaS 





13 


that the young folks use the church basement for dances, the ladies 
auxiliary sponsors bunco parties, the children's classes go on hikes, 
and frequently the entire congregation listens once a week to a forum 
on fascism or labor troubles instead of to the traditional sermon. 


The Current Depression has reached an all-time high of nine years. In 
times of calm and prosperity the American people do not seem to be so 
troubled by problems which they must talk out together. Life goes on in 
the usual, comfortable routine and the each-man-for-himself formula 
seems to work. Only the radical or social reformor, the man "with a per¬ 
petual bellyache," feels that something must be dono about it. But the 
depression sets people to asking questions and to looking for answers. 
They turn to felief stations, demagogues, and sometimes to public af¬ 
fairs forums. John Dewey points out in his text on social psychology 
that people do not generally need to think; they can go along on tho 
basis of habit very comfortably until they come up against a difficulty. 
In our context, the depression is such a difficulty, and its attempted 
solutions have involved some efforts at group thinking, some forums. 


The War Scare , now as always, represents a similar crisis. In the World 
War, until the time of America's participation - after which free speech 
was stifled altogether - people were hungry for facts and points of view. 
Consequently at that time, just as now, certain people were backing a 
"forum movement." Today, as world conflict continues and as undeclared 
wars follow each other in rapid succession, the search for a rational 
way out is further stimulated. The desire to know what’s happening 
over there and the concern for democracy over here becomes more tense. 
Newspapers carry far more foreign news then ever before. Forum enthu¬ 
siasts find that the ground is ready for their sowing. 


Deliberate Efforts of Adult Educators to support the forum naturally 
met with success under these several cirsumstances and undoubtedly ac¬ 
count for much of its current popularity. These folk, particularly the 
current personnel of the federal Offico of Education, assort that not 
only do forums need democracy but democracies need forums, just like 





4 



' - . ■ • . ' . '■ ' 

•• - - •' 

,acan >e IcjroWhJittJ oAS oi lo £>«©.!vu '-o!.' . ~ii ic >.'l • r.o 


"n-l «rifv.'i:*' ofnU~fJ> n- bur. j: ■ }’'i 

- 08’ 3d £>i avian ■ rfotf olcjooq oftaHooA. -if; ! TJ jn 

' ■ ' ' ■ •' 

' • ■ • , ■ 

. 

••• ' : ' ‘ ' ' . ;1 
• • • ' • • . • - . ' ■ ' • ■ . • 
e •list 

. • op ■ ■ 

. . • ’ . 

••flUftol ©its 08 qjJO\% *:■ ’ - 


■] • ' - ' ' - . . . '• ■ "■ ■ ’ 
• • - ■ _ . . . ' 




£ ^ C*^rf u ’ l O 


18 V 

, ' 1 . ■ i 

- - - - • ♦ • • . ' . 

.* ■ 

iJ. ro tl>:i ibe-o-i >t . ru r. - * b V s' • c 


' 

. • : • '• * • •. ... .. - ■ 1 ‘1 . 1. i . ■; 


V , I 


j:» , , t i Jion eoiofit! 


$:■ ’ • zr 'll • b -■ j "tn s 


V.j-'IO 


14 


they need schools, courts, and fire departments; and the democracy of 
the forum is said to lie in its free speech, its heterogeneity, its 
civic training. 

Since the middles twenties professional educators have been 
impressed with the form idea as the liberal ministry was impressed by 
it before the war. Hence as the adult education movement itself was 
becoming crystallized (along with the recognition that a growing pro¬ 
portion of our population is in the middle age groups and that these 
people lack current educational opportunity), the form appeared as a 
comfortable mean between the conventional methods of lecture-teaching 
on one hand and the loose informality of discussion techniques on the 
other. The local adult education councils founded forms of their own 
and cncouragod those of affiliate organizations. 

Whether these adult educators merely stressed a trend that 
had already set in, or whether their deliberate efforts stimulated fo¬ 
rm growth independent of any such trend, is a moot question. In all 
probability the two forces were so interrelated that separate weights 
cannot be assigned to each. 


Defining Our Terras 


Today the term "form" is variously used in America, Several 
magazines use it in their titlos; some have special departments open 
to sundry viewpoints, and these departments are called forms . The 
radio programs. The Lucky Strike Hit Parade, calls its song popularity 
program "tho only authoritative form of our national music taste" and 
sociological writers speak of "the inner form of the mind," In legal 
phraseology tho word is similar to "court" or "jurisdiction," Debates, 
round-tables, discussion groups and lecture sessions are also referred 
to as forms . 

Obviously these usages have little in common with each other. 
Their only similarity lies in their permitting many and contradictory 
viewpoints. In this view President Roosevelt has said: 

Legislatures and parliaments, councils, con- 





u 


?o vo&iJCcrjb ■ • a - i00<1 °® ! !:J 

' * o' 

* 

■ ioj , ■ • tSr ■: 8 iltbim odt oa7& 

' 

i ■•■: v f/uiJ QpiSlSi v; it'ds djtw yx olfi) bosl/..Cxvts*;.i-> ^nimc- 

aunol t : .y.j fcuitito jqo £aoolJ>aoicri>o .to .•'v 

fa* £‘ 

; . • _ ■ ■ 

.... J ...... 

, 1 :Itl |$ \ rJUi ~ • I ' i ' i. r C, • 

r 

: ■ . , • • ; 
v ■ 4 ,*& 

# ivv=: ''O:*'i • ’ ’ ; • : -^0 


.: •; ... . . .. 


l ... • ;; • 


t -,V ‘ E 

„ • \ • . . ‘ ’ . . ' 

* ' 

. 




.:•> anoj i £«ol; ol oi 


r . ’ 

•1 *>, , 


. 


’. 1 - 

• « , l . 


7 l . 


o , it. :>r ' l.\ ir, ■ J 




l 3L'*' 1 - iV - 

am ; Car . .. 


.'V O'!'-oS , . 30-'* TflaJ J.T4 


T 


15 


ventions and conclaves are simply expansions 
of local forums . Wherever two or three gather 
together for an exchange of ideas, whether a- 
round the box stove in a rural store, in quick 
lunch restaurant, or in a pretentious urban 
club, you have a forum: public opinion in the 
making, a congress in the embryo* * 

But we cannot use the term so loosoly; it is important that 
we have a single, exact definition of the term, for when wc set out to 
survey and evaluato Chicago forums, wc must know clearly just what is 
being talked about. Hereinafter, therefore, when wc say forum \io shall 
mean: 

a public meeting hold in the same place at regular intervals, at which 

the procedure involves a lecturer 1 s presentation on a controversial top¬ 

ic followed by questions and sometimes discussion from the audience. 0- 
ver a period of time different viewpoints arc presented end a convention 

of free speech obtains. 


Two Kinds of Forums 


Defining our term thus, wo still find existing side by side, 
two somewhat distinct kinds of set-ups both of which wc may call n fo¬ 
rum. 11 The sponsors of both lry claim to an educational purpose rnd ac¬ 
complishment but they may roughly be distinguished as protest forums 
(the forums of the reformers or non-conformers) on the one hand, and on 
the other: non-partisan community forums (forums of the conformors. )** 


Protest F orums 

Reformers have always held forums and forum-like meetings. 


* Studcbakcr, John W. Choosing Our Way, United States Department of the 
Interior, Bulletin 1937, Misc., No. 1. ** These terns arc by no means 

idoal, and may even be misleading. But no more suitable terminology 
seems available. 














SI 


#00 1 e 

ifiC^XO 

'' X on X s 3’, ■ g >v.elooo 

0 fa/*‘ 

sxxoiJ 

uov 

: vrl.tjiiv- 0 


10 C-.yj 1971010 r ; 7 T 

gi&ri ot 

leool 

to 

— Vjf! 

:v.v 

jssofai to . ;3t.e is 

: lot 

1 >o *6 

• 4 

'X-:.' 

,01 

.“r- J liTC • i VO* 3 

xod 

O,.* f»i: 

SSC ' 

axvfu 

. 


r;g, 4 

«oi xio 

n: 'I 

o; ; J ai x: 


oi 


.00Y ,0 

trio 



• • 

«ftOD 

rt t iuli 

slen 


it. .• Jfi'iXioqBu • ■ i *J jvloaool 

no 


ftrc *1 


:r.'lO o* ?i... 


■ • 


* * . . "tf'n 

■ . ■ ■ •. ■ ; ■ . . 

. ■ ■ ' ■ • : 


■ 


31 


HUTIol "to 8far.14 0 f? 


; . • ’ ■ • 

■ ' 

**'.rA ... ;.'i .»•.:■■■•■ 


' 

fijccf 8 

»li *OJui>D n • oJ lttfac*Jo *•: 

" * 

.•'Vi') • 


.i ' ’ r.i.-- • -i 

*• sib ; v* on ov* 

O ;:1O01 -18 • - !i *(IU 1 

... ■ .ilqiaoo 

■. • • 

... Oiii 





MX--snot fax. -, ano?v faloi 3 >yrL- .*v. • x ie\ .•?! 





...v.-l' *- .* 


lire 


70 . 


• oa ifa 


. ■ . 

:.i . ,X.' 0 bi 

• * ' • - 





16 


Denied the conventional avenues of expression - the pulpit, the press, 
the government chamber - they have sought a free platform of their own* 
Hereon tolerance to all points of viev7 is not merely a matter of prin¬ 
ciple, but good business, for it helps to provide a larger audience than 
would come to a sectarian pep-session. 

Moreover, while the conformists, in the comfortable inertia of 
habit and tradition, know neither doubt nor controversy, those who chal¬ 
lenge the status quo are beset by problems. Discussion is useful, not 
only in the effort to think out these problems, but also in the oppor¬ 
tunity it affords for presenting the solutions to others. And this is 
true in the realms of religion and morals as well as politics. Con¬ 
sequently among the earliest of forum sponsors, we find the free-think¬ 
er, the bohemian and hobohemian, as well as the radical. 

Invariably these people are also attracted to forums started 
by others, but they are the founders of what we have called "forums- 
for-protest." 


Forums 


Non-Partisan Community 

In contrast with these minority-group forums which admittedly 
have a bone-to-pick, or a desire to talk, there are the more respectable 
forums sponsored by agencies which for the most part uphold the status 
quo, with or without minor modifications. To the extent that these at¬ 
tempt to perpetuate democracy as opposed to fascism or communism - and 
this is their avowed purpose - they, too, have an axe to grind. But 
they prefer to regard themselves as educational rather than propaganda 
agencies; for at least theoretically their politics are not made ex¬ 
plicit in the content of their program, but rather implied in its form. 
In the mere procedure of conducting a forum they see benefits to democ¬ 
racy, for they think that discussion is essential to the democratic pro¬ 
cess and that Truth (on which democracy is thought to rest) automatic 
cally triumphs in a situation of intellectual fair play. We are not 
concerned at the moment with the validity of these claims; we need only 
comment on our curious psychology which identifies as "propaganda” the 
opinion of a minority, but as "education," the presentation of boliefs 



-w ; 


31 


t f' i, V 


" * - . r v. .. . if.a 

;• \ fj 1 n n sv«I.- V._,riJ -SW4V.-.A0 ■» 

/ , j . • • • ’ '■ 


a . 




1 ' •• . '• 

' ■ • : ■ id - • 

■ ' y ~ • • 

f 1 ' «<j tit >q , " ■ ' ^PAb'doi ■ : • ' 

%r • . . . iC 7 r ’ ■ ■ 

■ '' ' ( ‘ ' ' 

*' .. »• - - - • . ' *. , A . 

** • • .. . . . , ; ' {U -: i . • 

'• • *; • vv sat ,3' 

• i: J. ^ 




: 8SU l I 


. 


i’ ■ * - • g ■ . ; i •• . .• 

■ • ■ • > ■ 

J . ; •• \jrf. j&.eto. 

; • • •. ■,ds''0 ' ; ■’ '■ ■ 1 .\ar, : :; :Odt lw "rtO : 

* " ; : • . . 

. . * ’ • 1 ? *' -= r-V ■ 

. , 4 * * • «<. , 

• •« ,* ; ‘L • .V ' ' . ; ■ V.'J'i ‘‘•CWif 

'• • . . 

• ■ . ■ ; ■ 

-oc^oh : :• a fa . / ' • - i 

■ - . ' 'p •; • ■ . ' 

* '( • 

' ■ . . . ftii" xc iic» rj Jt 

■ ■ . 

• : • J ; x^olo^o^eq a^oliwo iiro xr. 

• . > 



17 


which the majority share. 

Among the leading examples of these foruns-for-denocracy (we 
sometimes refer to them as status - quo forums to indicate their alle¬ 
giance to contemporary democracy) today, we have two large-scale efforts: 
American's Town Meeting of the Air and the federal government's sponsor¬ 
ship of "demonstration forum centers." 


Amer i ca's Town Meeting of the Air With one outstanding exception the 
reputation of the American radio audience for frivolity goes unchallenged 
That exception is America's Town meetings of the Air,. Anyone who wants 
a complete and readable account of this program can find it in Town Meet¬ 
ing Comes to Town* but almost everyone is already familiar with this 
Thursday evening program over a nation-wide hook-up. It is a unique pro¬ 
gram indeed which exposes us to the ideas of those with whom we disagree, 
makes us listen, like it and ask for raorol 

The Town Meeting was formally launched on the air in October, 
1935, by George V. Denny, Jr., associate director of the League for Po¬ 
litical Education in New York City. He wa3 convinced that discussion 
could be made dramatic, and democracy real, by the broadcast of sympos¬ 
iums on vital issues by speakers of conflicting viewpoints, whose lec¬ 
tures would be followed by questions from the audience.-** 

The idea caught fire as soon as the first trial program was 
heard. Requests for seats at the forum far exceeded the capacity of the 
hall; fan mail from the unseen audience poured in at an astounding rate 
that would have warmed the heart of any commercial sponsor; radio commit¬ 
tees awarded it prizes for popularity ~nd educational content.. The re¬ 
cent innovation of hook-ups to small out-of-town groups who are permitted 
to put their questions directly to the speakers and have them answered on 
the air immediately following the addresses serves to heighten the drama 
of the occasion,- 

The program seems to be the most enthusiastically received fo¬ 
rum in the country. It has its limitations, however. It undoubtedly can 


"'Overstreet,. Harry A. and Bonaro W., Town Meeting Comes to Town (New York 
and London? Harper and Bros., 1938) **The question period is not so thor¬ 
oughly spontaneous as it appears to the "unseen ajidience." Directly be¬ 
fore the radio program the "seen audience" participate in a discussion of 
the scheduled topic. Mr, Denny as "Moderator" need not choose his ques¬ 
tioners during the broadcast completely at random. 






* 1 » 

* L. 




i 


'■rj 


lie Isa w’t tit ;dr 




• Cl 




j • • 


- 4 J ' 

3 


• * A 






. ! •» •*. •j.f* £/ '* *J 


• » 


i'.i 


C 


•* 


M 




«r* :*• 7 

4 W 


r ~ • 

*• . 




• ' ■ 
• • • 




no 'J «jic \ 0*1 2 i ' ) 

■ vta*ioqn 9 $iii 3 o o'J eo/u*Jtjj 

.ire j. G ' /••'. 


h f 1 fl 

'A • . • *•* 




’ i 'O l, i 

• < • 


: a a 




V * *» 



* * j . • •» ; 

.••• * • • J H.l 

. • . r . i : ’ ; .»• v;-.! * 

^ • •• *;r < 

? i '1 \; *‘. 

•‘Tr-f ' m , v y r t ; . ^ • >V 

►. 1 . « • j. 4 . « 

// •; . * 7 . :. J -\ ‘.J 


. . • ,* • • *. ; •, v 

•>' * . • • • » 

* j» •* 

«v !■' . . •• 

• •' • • f r 

. i 

. . . . . • * • 

M -* • . . . •- * * * * 

* .' t ’ 

■ • 

• • . ,• 4 • • *ji 

/ ••*.; v < v. . ... 

•••. */. i 

•. t ••• 


1 >* » f f* 

1 .. 

■ f • • f • . ; 1 A ^ , 

, ‘A? .• - - - ■ 


• .• * •«. 

. / wi -r*. • • 

f - * ' ~ K/ • • * 

r*.;Y'. 

. / . . . . » ; J ij; xl J • » • 

t*c/. tt<\; /c 3 .:;,.x 

••• - 

; *.. ;• • •• 

f : • • at 

f, £$*< 

' 

• > i: 

- -»>' . 

• 

• 4 .. 1 . • » 1 • • • * 1 * • * • 

• J ;.:C/T 

^ " • 

f ... 

. . • . r /.••.' ' •< • » • 1 


• 1 « 

%*• 

•.:• : . . - .•* .•:••• ■’ 

^ * 4 .«/ • • v 

j»*» »• •«u 1 •' 

•v 

.. i'- 

' * V *. . i . . , i'* i* 

. '4 *a.v $., 

. . ( 

:i • V ’ 7 . * 

j ci >/•*:; .*•' 

• • . - »• 
.... * 

• * . < • '< («-• * j Ml** * * 

, , . » 4 ,« *■ 4 • * * > ' 

• • 

v '. • .* • 

* - * 


•* n* 

«•« . r • 

w • 

# • 

* 

• 

• * • • _ . , , , 

V / • . * • «• • 

• * • 

» i* • ‘ . *r • . > • 

* ..«• ' • < 

1 I‘ ; - •■; 

r v :r /'• ;V ; .• . .'•/ 


* • f * » * I 

»v* -' •* * * 

«• • ’ .. *.! 

• Vi, -I «■ 


\ 


a — 


•t ** 




9 • 

* ’ . ■■/ 

* • i 




% i 

• •* 


ic aciraJju 
ixciJqooxo 1; 

■... ■ • . j 


v • 


• f r >. b • ■ ( 

• ’ T ' ‘ f rj * *V ’ P * li ’ t 

* „ 

■ tifl — ... - • 

.cuS'i 2 o vq a i . : > vo v * ■ 

•*: *c; ::. *rv' iv * 1 

. i * r 

.«! *1.1 • - *. . > • 




r ■ 


J-.: 


. mi ♦ 


■J' 




• * * 


* 4 # . • . .4 


*> . v. r 


' . * 


.01 

ihrof-r^r^jx aoJHy :*; ' • 


* V ' 


Jtt « 


t A - 


* * 




. 


• •*. -JYV-i V 4 • 


. • 

• . 


•i' i o 1 '< % 


• > 


• «■ . A 

< . ' f • » 

• v * •; • 


•. • • 


T i* . 

J. v V 




' 

attl ©ia^ju W 

• * 

r • f 

• . 










Cl 


ia 


*♦ f 
v*.. 




no c j 


#; • 


;.r H ■ iW 


■ • 


• •* 




r \ :+\(s<l'\Z • 

• ;m* /•; 




• •. 


A *»■* 




A Jt 








o't v.Ie 4 %lbe-vlrZ 

•» ■ • • -s.- • 


.. . .. 

- *■* 


» * • * 

« * •* • 




# . .. » ' ' 


1 ' *■ 


# .• 


c u 


- *V •, 




K>% . 




i'l. 


- • 


* 


, • 

A 


-r/ ' v 


. r • ■ .. 

i. • • 


r • » » 

•i. •* •' 


T . , 




• • 






•' • * 


J?OfJ 


, . I. 

•«r 

. . 

iMB i i 




%• 

- 9 




« * •*. 


m 


■ 


•» 

• • 

• • 

k • 

j • 


* 


v n\nt 




r. p# > • 


4 1 

< 


/ -r f .* 


I •-.■•jn St &■ 


• '•' r. 1 


.. 


:i 


• < / 

•« . .•*« 


*» • • 


•V 

XT I » 4 




. 


T *tv f f 
*» •> y a i 

♦ o ic r 


•« r \ • « V# 1 

- L '? Va 

o i i.v/i i?;;j 

;... O/i-f• • 


t. »* j. . . 




■ V 






18 


and does stimulate thought; hut in and of itself it is not an adequate 
educational method. Its constructive value is conditional upon the ex¬ 
tent to which it is preceded hy and followed with a more through exam¬ 
ination of the subject by the listener. With a maximum of fifteen min¬ 
utes permitted each speaker, obviously not much more than a journalistic 
presentation of any topic is possible. Questions which challenge too 
much can be misunderstood or evaded. It is intended to be not only non- 
propagandist ic, but anti-propagandistic; but it is inevitable that the 
singing of the national anthem before the program, the incidental re¬ 
marks of the chairman during the program, and the courtesy with which 
democratic-minded persons play host to the Town Meeting, all serve to 
bias the listener in favor of the democratic approach. 


The Federal Government Steps In 

Not only through the general educational programs of the Works 
Progress Administration and the National Youth Administration, but more 
particularly through the special Public Forum Project of the Office of 
Education, the federal government has acknowledged its faith in the dis¬ 
cuss ionr-method-of-democracy. The initial impetus for sponsoring a fo¬ 
rum ’’movement" came from John W, Studebaker, who became a commissioner 
of education in 1934, fresh from his leadership of the adult education 
experiment in Des Moines, Iowa, Here forums had been incorporated into 
the school system, thanks to a grant of $125,000 from the Carnegie Cor¬ 
poration,* 


Commissioner Studebaker was convinced that what was good for 
Des Moines was good for the nation. So, having procured an initial fed¬ 
eral grant from the Federal Emergency Relief Appropriation, he called 
together some of the leading educators of the country, and they proceed¬ 
ed to plan ten "demonstration forum centers" in different parts of the 
country. These forums were to be conducted under the direction of the 
local school boards and were not to bo federally controlled. Their gen¬ 
eral staffs were to be locally appointed from among the professional 
teachers, librarians, and research and clerical workers certified for 
W.P.A, Their leaders or lecturers were locally chosen from a long list 
submitted by the federal Office of Education. All in all, the forums 
were to be, at least temporarily, an integral part of the community’s 
school system, and free from the domination of the federal government. 


♦Since 1938 the forum project has become the full responsibility of the 
Local Board of Education and taxpayers* 




SI 


~Xvi 


Ai 


©101 

1c 


rxc 

o i 


10 

A 


’• ; .,t ai f/ !Xo»cTi It® ftisu• Ai -- ;id$ffCA3 oi ’.Xuctii® aooI> J 
iI>/roo ®i oulcv ®vi$ 

•’ ■ '■ ■' ' 7' °* J 

b ... . • : ■ • ■'■ 

* 

- 

, . - ■ * 

. .. . 

, pr 13 oi Uaorl '•«■-' • 

, • ••mo on'ib oAi 1 o i©v£»*t 'r»l i -•• 


.•: p.'.y • ? . y * y ' ■un' i ©ri ; 


: ' 

tYtO l wr. ■ ■ • • . 

jfo •• ~ . ■. 

, . i tlnl " 

. t i.! Hr-cf. x. ; •' V- "< '•i* 1 * 

- 


;ij:v 


• x. ' *••• 


, ■ 


i'V 


< »•; • ! '.to 


- f* c 


flu 


.. . .■ ' ' • •: ■■ 

• ’i* • . 


•)Oo‘ • '. ”f> 


$ dr ■ . .f r/jO'uvr..;' 





, t' ; o‘.r r 

1001 * 

.. x - *,. 

> . 

f,r 'io 

T ", " - .1 . V . 

• » 


1 1."'. x^ao.! • 

- •• Mi i < 

. • ' • ‘ . 




t <e» • • * • 

■ • • 


■ x i. . 

•• •• 


' 




t£m*bQ‘t c:-.nj. *c;t vTV'V : ' - >00£ 


Ii3 •' • ’ ' ' ■ 

• ■ jf. ‘ - ' IV •'■■■• * 

i 

•' y • voiV ')•' 


* G'_ •.•■ 


' • •: r f ; 


. * r 4. i 


Oil 




• 4 : 

r< 








‘ ; 


•{f b i / ,0.1 

•C-. c ' 

,C ' • I- 


16 OOO \ 


. 

• ; ‘ . f' 


19 


Since this experiment has been more fully publicized than any 
other single forum venture there is no need hero for details. A moment’s 
attention is due, however, to the query: have the government-sponsored 
forums met with success? If "success" be defined as active local spon¬ 
sorship of forums after federal funds hove been withdrawn, or in terms 
of greater tolerance and democracy (so that, as Commissioner Studebaker 
predicts, "It can't happen here]"), we do not have a ready answer. 
"Tolerance and democracy" do not lend themselves to accurate measurement, 
and federal funds still subsidize a movement which may or may not be able 
to stand on its own feet. Evaluation must therefore be postponed as we 
continue to pry close attention to the affiliates of the Federal Forum 
Project. 


A Forum Movement ? 

Bo it a product of the times or of the whims of particular men, 
we have the contemporary forum. Some say there is forum movement. By 
this they probably mean that forums have been springing up more fre¬ 
quently of late than in the past, and they probably refer almost exclu¬ 
sively to the liberal status-quo forums rather than protest forums. 

(The protest forums have been "going strong" end steadily for a genera¬ 
tion even when "nobody who is anybody" saw fit to glorify their con¬ 
tribution to democracy.) Mr, Chester S. Williams, assistant forum ad¬ 
ministrator for the Office of Education, estimates that there are at 
least 860 forums in the country now. 

It was way back in 1859 that the pioneer American forum-for- 
democracy, Cooper Union of New York City, was founded; Ford Hall in 
Boston followed in 1906, and by the time of the first World War there 
were at least three national and international forum councils. From 
these forum councils we get various and contradictory reports concern¬ 
ing the number of forums in the country. For instance, the President 
of the International Forum, Inc., tells us in 1918 that during the war 
the number increased from 340 to 417, although other authorities quote 
a decline in the same period. 

We do not know how accurate are any of these estimates, nor 
how representative of the years intervening between 1918 and 1928. If 
a forum movement is assumed today, it is obviously, therefore, not by 
direct count. Bather in a common sense manner and from the rise of the 
community, church, and government forums all around us do we conclude a 
growth of forum consciousness. 



i nanon A nJoh 

JKOO r-*n.' v 'V. 


. ■ , • • • ■ coni ■. ■ - • 

_ ’ , ... . ..• • - ; 

• * ,. r >, r r * • • ' * * . i"*Ci | 

•• Y X t* Sr 4 • V* * * | v”U|i | 




L . , - ; .* 

I j U y • 


—iiocia jnsy 


4 - - ^ 


iMi<r *>> 

• ~ • - n* 


.'. ... V.' :• J.U -.0 :, V4 .. . 

« ■ "-• 

• -,L r.;o0. v*:. , - 


• • 


*i0.t rr. : r.u ■. 


^ k V <• u 


•J% 


’ /. .• i 


w^* 1 •%! gataoo^a nijar 

tateo’ija lo 

V ^ ***** i- 

■ •. >Z 


••• ... 

i • «, •' » • • 


- . nf 


•* * •«% 1 * il 

O X V 4 




Kit 

ovr 

curios 


: . . - • 1 ^ * 1' 

ijcj, - -v>i * -. . ; > v ' • - 


r*i % 


L noaJooo 

Li *; 


- ‘no:.--> 




4» 

V* . > 


to ec* 


** -r» 




: ; • 


Tr rj”", am 




’• r> .* r . / ' 

• . .: o . 

#•'* - 

ltIox* Scoria 


> • r 


l: 


• , 

> . V ■ V.. 

;J *' r. \ V -■ v • • :• 

- 




4 •' 




V- 


J*l? 3 : .* * 

•\t . y? : 

• : >: r 


. : 


• • . • . v_. •. - • f ■•' ■ y i 

# 

• * *. r * *V *: .-•••' 

. ' >i ill sc ; • ft • •• 

' - •• * « • J * «. . %*■•* . . * t i 

■l * ■ f ' r»' f; ’*< • . ,i - •- < • * . ■' ' * r*r 

••v' » . • f i - / ..f .*- ,** •* , •« '« 

♦ '' ;.* T ' ; * •;, 


-* ; ' - . • ■ * • '• •• 

. . i • \* . , . .... 

. >. . • - - • f • : 

T 


n- i • rrr. * * -, * l , 

1 * 1 *• i </.• * 

0 


t. «;i ..?k '•. > 

: . j L x?; 




x • 


ifrorv ^c. 
-ai ica< : e 
tr.ej:. i vi~ 


‘I i . . 


C ; - 

r - 


. 3 ;m ',r-. 


•»■- 












V N ^ v r \r t s, v" . > 

i.tt V . - *,:* *: ' -I;. ’K- ; h \ . 

• 1. - *. . ’ -.«• . : *• <y . \r 

' M. " "'im-.-xS .‘V\u- ,r ’* -• ’ • v' w: ; O p./tv,: j*t * 

. r 7' . ... .. - # *; ^ y i u. • 

i -i *•;' v : 

„ 


► 

V 


1. •* i‘~ f.. ' 


■ c dr- ;^i , v ; ■ 




% ^ t 

1" .• 


*' fi 31 • : - 

. . . ' V •: 7; • .. ; - • 7! 


. 


s VU 1 


» jbXJl’Jr. 


M vw X 


5W Of> >L 


. « fv*. V, ; . : p: > \ . * 

W . ;.. • 

• i * 4 - - * ‘v' •• , i- ;;/* r. *. • 

' lasfai' zroD rnxrxo'i tc 


f 






CHAPTER II 


THE BACKGROUND OF CHICAGO FORUMS 


Before the Forun 
The Forerunners 

The Sunset Club 

The Anthropological Scoicty 

The Bugs 

Tho Bug Club 
Bug House Squp.ro 
Comuni ty Center Foruns 

Social Science Club at Hull House 
Free Floor at Chicago Connons 
History Shows* • « 


ii zzzTu:-:. 

. 


J &!TX C't - " • * > 

8 ; f• ■ ' " 

JiflO 1 ■ f-' 

r • • J" - 

_ f , : — 

'cf.-jiC j/i'f 

01 ^ •':? . J "c. ;• ^u-’l 

sru'T i . :»J. C ’ i x 

.OW £ '••• ■ • ■ 

- If, ? c; ' 0 

, . *8V‘ :\3 %7J0? . 


► ' > t 



20 


Before the Forum 


The oldest foruns in Chicago of which any record can be found 
appear in the 1890’s, Before then, lecture and discussion programs were 
presented by labor unions, foreign language associations, socialistic 
groups, literary socioties, and lyceums. 

As early as 1834 we find the Chicago American referring to the 
Lyceum hero as "an entirely successful experiment'* in adult education 
which lent "a kind of cultivated character to our importance abroad," 

As urbanization advanced - and a discontented foreign-born 
working class developed with it-labor unions and socialists groups began 
to hold regular indoor "agitation mootings" using precisely the tech¬ 
nique we call "forum," The public was invited to consider such topics 
as "The Rule of the Upper Classes," "Science, Handmaid of Capitalism," 
"Is Society Without Law Possible?" Almost invariably the reports of 
these meetings indicate thr,t the lectures "occasioned a lenghty and in¬ 
teresting debate," 

Outdoor platforms were erected at factory gate, street corner 
and - the favorite site for Sunday afternoon sessions - the lake front. 
Labor leaders analyzed the capitalist system, invited questions and pro¬ 
posed concrete measures, like strikes and protest demonstrations. It 
was at one of these meetings in the depression year of 1886 that the in¬ 
terference of the police resulted in the "Haymarket Tragedy." 


The Forerunners 


The earliest free-lance programs of which we have record in 
Chicago that combined the lecture and discussion procedures are those 
of the Sunset Club, the Anthropological Society, and the "Bugs," The 
earliest of such programs presented by a sponsoring agency were those of 
Hull House and Chicago Commons, 

Let us consider each of these nineteenth century pioneers: 


The Sunset Club 


This was a social-intelloctual organization of business and 










« ■ 

: bn~ o - ■ • 

. SJV. ' 

. - . ( 

t’. • • 

04 Mltislon :,'-r.Vr a* vX'C'jJl odf'bat^ *5 . . • . 

. • . . ' ' ' ’ 

; t . it- *to o4 *Waeihii: bo) widXwo 

.. . - « ' . ; " 

. ' • ; V i 

■ • - .. /' v " 

. • ‘ • • • 

. . • . • ■■ 

‘ ‘• . ...iJsoioi 

•' ' ' ' • ' • ’ , ' '' 

• Q ■ ' 

: ' . . • • ' ' . • 
t ' • 

' 


■ ' .. . "i '■ ' '-"I 


’ • 

• • , ' .... 
. .. ; , ■ • • . 

1 • " 

% 

• . d£)aoa)0[iL{i BBQri) dor.Q 


•' • . CW( 


tssl ' - 







21 


professional men. Unlike almost every other forun we know, its members 
kept archives and today such documentary evidence as year books record¬ 
ing the lectures and discussions of each season are available. 

The Sunset Club, founded in 1889, met every other Thursday 
from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P. M. Then in 1895 it deliberately suspended 
activity because, strange as it may seem, "it had discussed practically 
all the questions that were before the people" and "new questions did 
not present themselves once in every two woeks. The world did not move 
fast enough for the Sunset Club, and it had to take a recess to allow 
the world to catch up." 

It was customary at each session to have several speakers, 
frequently members of the club, prepare twenty-minute addresses on a 
subject chosen by the committee in charge. (Questions and informal dis¬ 
cussion followed from the floor. Some years the club boasted over 1000 
membership. Attendance at individual meetings seems to have ranged 
generally between 125 and 200, although over 600 attended on the gala 
"Ladies 1 Nights." 

The spirit of the Sunset Club can be illustrated by present¬ 
ing its Declaration of Principles: 

t > 

No Club House 
No Constitution 
No Debts 

No Contribution 
No Accounts 

No Defalcations 
No By-Laws 

No Stipulations 
No Profanity 
No Fines 
No Stealing 
No Combines 
No President 
No Bores 
No Steward 
No "Encores" 

No Long Speeches 
No Dress Coats 
No Late Hours 

No Perfumed Notes 


No Parliament 
No personalities 
No Dues 

No Mere Formalities 
No Preaching 
No Dictation 
No Dues 

No Litigation 
No Gamblers 
No Dead Beats 
No Embezzlers 

From Foreign Retreats 
No Meanness 

No Vituperation — 

Simply 

Tolerant Discussion 
and 

Rational Recreation 


".' T - rd ' i'.y 1 f Vi ' tci OV ’ r.jJ iOl 

-irxocm c : jo * i » 5 f/v *. -• 


♦frltelia 


s» 
*•<1 


on tij&i 


V j 


■> Y*ave> ieonl 

** ' • i » 'l '< ‘ v 


*** «- A 


» t 


w. l 


atoiq 


r Mi. 


3 


> c tr. 




o 
1 w 




rt* 


3» c 1 & 3 t’Ofi r,j> 


e^vxrio-i^ j (.0:1 


OOTli^OJ .. 



••*"«.•* < ••. ■! ” i . • ' 

. , .1 s/ ■, *.. 


• - a • ! • 

»* J . ‘ . il f >*• • »i> %’• J ^ T • ' ‘ A J 



ov/.u oJ aoa*a ajojv,- f« zr r- • 4 r 

; .... ‘ 1 ■ .;- 
7 f - • «... .... » t . •• • ■ w . * 

” * •' s. 1 Ju T n V •* f. I- . 

*. .; * * . .) ,*• * • *•? »•••*. * . t ■» . * - ». * ■ » • ' ' * . . 


f « . »* A * • I 


:.:.yuH -y-i ■■. 


■'■ . ; ;•. .1 . 

’• >. J, .4 v\J 


)JcJi ' ~V- 
• • *' * “» . • 

# 

• * | J *!•••* 

I • •* -* ./ ^ 




•'•*■ •• - ; - - - • \; -• • v; /•.*!* »*V, 

••• • • f • " » > • ' . • " *. V •.*- t ! **' v • • 

# * • * . •** » (»■ t 

• . ; . • f , - I #• ,r« •. •- .%• • * * • 

AiMb Cfx/Jj -j 

* * • ’ •* “ • r“ B i *•' '* .*^* * • • J M 0 tZ • * t • - .1 • •• 

’ “ . • • * » :• ’ ' , • •; •.■ , -* r • . . •. ' r 

... * .. y ; i , ... > « *’.• ■. , NX , } 1 


ou^r. .Xlljca c 


« T/f 


i *xc 1* Xr- ros i ji 


, OK 


: i 


« it. 


v . ‘ • 1 t up 

c.i V-' -V U V,‘ 


► 

I « v 


o?. oH cfixl? otf 

' • .-sTT r i :.) r - X- -* 

. * r* p •• •■ 

■ ’ ' • ■ -.v . / « ■' • • * 


sou s ■yrioT otav: oH 


i /■ lit i 

; ••• ^ *•'.•>.-*. •■• ' -»r J 

• • • : V ' • . . V ‘ 


- •? 


I 


* l * . 


Tl t 
. • 


;n 3 \ps* OT *i oK 


. •■ . •■ T ' : \ f - ,, 

• ■' ’ • aS.yCr oif 
/ x C? .* • . f > c •. 

» ** • ’ 

: ‘ ' ' ' ' i 

.... <• ., . 


. • 

. ^ v . . r ‘ 

/ < •.i - 4 > * ‘.t x \ * i»i i 

■i. . ' • a :• i x. . .. 


, > •t _ * - 

•• * . • » % T -< 

.• . • • *• .. • d 


" 


i : 


riT< 


’1* ^ 


X .. 


■’•vi r i *** * k * .■ • 4 • * t 

' . r \ ' 


. l/aroqirf^VoK 


. S'- 


»*•*..«% r 

• .• • * • / « 


ff . < ‘ 


. i 


. /' ..ylar-iB 

46i**Xfoa’it 






^ ^ '*C C rt Ci: fc TO i /xfe 


L >: 


r, » • 4 ' . *• 

•1 . 5 * “*4 * v ^|‘ ' 

■%» . 4, j *i *.v •-*■%»• • 

> v/ ci 

* , . . ' - >•-»• *» * 

. ! • • , * . i ■ ■ ti i f*.t • j .. : • 

••1 •'» I • . 

r • •• • 

<« ' . #• 

f :; ;*• r *r T 

V* i’ A ** **M ' V * r - * ' i' ^ . 

f : •■. A ' 3 '- !'£■ "K 
* 

r.i:i >u 

; . - ? : .••.•- ■; •;): 

, , .;• 

< . ' •» ‘ 

! f • . - . ; " -• 

• . > ** •« . 

'*• * 1 - • • *• ••’■** •*• - Ui 

' * • *. : *.# v*\ j •* t. 

r < • .. r , 

'.i . s . . . i ..*#».* ,U • .• .* 


■> S ■ 


\ • 




p . 

• , : -v - • 
'* • •• r 


f + 


+ • 




22 


Sunset seems to have enjoyed an unusual heterogeneity in political be¬ 
liefs between the extremes of which tolerance pervaded. But in economic 
status, its audience must have been homegeneously above average, as is 
indicated, for instance by the $1.50 charge for the dinner which preced¬ 
ed the meeting. 

An idea of the club's interests is gleaned from the program for 
the first years of the club, 1889-1891: 

Duties and Privileges of Public Press 
What Shall Wo Do with Our Criminals? 

Party Allegiance 

Land Taxation as Proposed by Henry George 
Subsidies and Tariffs 

Nationalism, as Proposed by Edward Bellamy 
Municipal Control of Heat, Light, etc. 

Our Public School System 

The Sunday Question 

Pensions: Civil and Military 

The State: Its Functions and Duties 

The Uses and Abuses of Speculation 

Drones and Parasites 

Money and *ts Functions 

Foreign Trade and Reciprocity 

The Red Flag 

The Succession Tax 

Our Jury System: How Can It Bo Improved? 

What Shall We Do With Our Indians? 

The Chicago Society of Anthropology 

The earliest of today's surviving forums is perhaps the so- 
called Chicago Society of Anthropology , founded formally in 1895, short¬ 
ly after the old World's Fair. Some of its oldest members maintain that 
the impetus for its formation derived from the protest of a southern Ne¬ 
gro school teacher against the exclusion of the American Negro from the 
World Congress of Religions, convening as a part of the Columbian Ex¬ 
position. This protest by Ida Wells Barnett, they say, had been printed 
in pamphlet form end distributed widely, then Synapthizers to her point 
of view united on a permanent basis, calling themselves the "Chicago 
Society of Anthropologists." As later expressed the Society wished 

To provide a forum in which tolerance and liberality 
are incouraged end a welcome hand extended to every- 



ss 


-o<f XfioiilXoq tti X4i^- vpist X . ay ms a& ' ®v^ J ecjeaa x - wuZ 

o... .:ooo xii .t:/S ,£>o h$'~i.v. joruMoIo* ifoirfv' lo Bo. jtixo a. novwjod ; • il 

aJt sg ovo<*<' ^Xaxxco/ta^anod aostf ®rx>:' iatrm aoaaiN . sjfnt* 

-. 0 oos-xq do taw TJtmte ort* iol egxrjto OC.X$ ad? V* z?n$3&nt nol ,bot&olbal 

, , -,i.-- !*a£j- X)0 ,1 

»■ • . " . ' i ■ X '. : v, " .-V ■ . •■ :. .'. .: 

, . • ' ■ .... ••'■•• t •;*««•• 

seai'J aiLtfift Ttc s»s®XX7i , s^ i>xt* aoliuCL 

,r X X tfiA W.. } ,, . 

" ' • t: /'. " :. I V. ' : •- 

o^TCbC VO %> ’ »;cj ■?*••>;;*•? - J 

. ail ifx/’.T.- £•:... ;• a a.Uv? scyS ,. s .• • . | 

' ; . i ’•.•/'/•' L;v 4 .. • :* 

•6ft® t 3d$bl' WiWft.loO /. • • ' 

. locriog .. __ ‘....... .J| 

... i -. • ■■ 

' ~ V v ; J 

t, ’ , ■ ■ ‘ 

totizdieijl Stia amcy^ ,,;, : : ; 

i..... v •-. .3 i J -.. £ryY. ^<wi - ;. % .„•. 

x ■ , ' ’ ’ . ■ ;. 

:: ‘ ' ./' . ’ ’. ■ _ ’ V . •• .. .: 

‘ ' JU& . # l; .ipfrviiyt. od T ... ,..... • 

' U . . .. * •■...- ... 

... • ' . . : 


\^oXcqoixL*oA \c. v?oxoo2 r.-j.vo : .1': eiXT , t .. . , ,y- ... 

Sfaj i . ■ ’.. .. . 

lo . . ;. ; 

si 9 di 

. . . .£ 00/108- 0**^ 
-x3 ax i i • ' .... . 

i • ’.;a 

totoq tod ci ■'■ ■ ■ ' . i,c»Xaqaaq ftl. 

• • - - . . ’ ‘.. 41 ! • i. W iv 

. . .... • - ; 

■ • *" ; 







23 


one without regard to race, creed or color; giving 
all views, however widely divergent, a respectful 
hearing, teaching by example the spirit of brother¬ 
ly love. 


Others claim the the society was simply an outgrowth and continuation 
of the Congress of Religion, 

The founders and earlier members of the society were apparent¬ 
ly rather mild-mannered folk with education and community status. They 
have been described by one of their colleagues as "liberal intellectuals 
of the middle class," The nature of the membership seems gradually to 
have changed, however, and we find that, as at most forums, a really 
free platform has attracted the radicals and the articulate little minor¬ 
ities of all sorts. Gradually the most active members came to include 
among their number more single taxers than Republicans and Democrats; 
more militant atheists than mild agnostics; more critics of organized 
medicine than formal M.D.'s; and more interesting cranks than layman 
scientists. The type of audience, it seems, depended on the type of 
chairmanship. Dr. Andrew Gour (who was president of the Society both 
before 1910 and then again after 1930) reports that the prime founder, 
Charles J, Lewis, allowed no "isms" to enter into the discussions, and 
under his leadership the society was "as impartial as the French Sor- 
bonne." Sometime after 1910, however, says Dr, Gour, the "group be¬ 
gan to become 'culty' with vegetarians and spiritualists to the fore. 

It wasn't till after the war that it became really radical," 

In 1935 the Anthropological Society combined with the Cosmopol* 
itan Forums, which had previously met on the Northwest Side, and the so- 
called Anthro-Cosmo Forum resulted. 


The "Bugs" 


The "Bugs" is the most common name by which the habitues of 
the Bug Club and Bug House Square are known. These groups, operating 
for over 50 years with a forum-like technique, provide our best examples 
of a non-deliberate, spontaneous development of a, discussion institu¬ 
tion. 

The Bug Club 

Approximately contemporary with the Sunset Club and continuing 





. ; o.t i)”lJtfOrfHw “30 
liidoeqfiari isvib’\iiaijbiw i9V9wori jtwalv IX* 

5 ", - • * 

• ' • ; ■ :Vi V; ' ; : ; ' • " ,9V D r '-'l 


aoitdawsldao ©baa du^i$ruo ;t n e«W•^•siobe 'tda • 3'rii misXo eiwldC 

: ' , ■ •••• .ffO'isil?? ' to. 3'»©T3i:pO arid to 

-daoiBqq* min ppl'ops' to' Wsi/r;&« , 3^H3R5 Lr.- atMtapol. 

Ktafea rfdlwtfloY • 

ft f n .r + no f f at ft £ ijwtf ifit: >o m$> yf pixS-ititePto imf ***& 

oi ImbiS^s sarooiB (Tirlaiadmor: :! ''lo vixj-txn- -oifP n .^4£l ;-{ffibhT''&ri? , lo' 

yf’.ivi’.' „3 .acurio.i >a<*r da sa ,d trio bnk i ow has ,*xoyOwc • V v.ori 

-aortim ; »l)3it eHliroidiri a#d Baa* 31 • 4 p/rrootdalq-'••‘ft* 

* :V How Jiiv'yllaakiv • ,ed i >',«.* f£a 

fi»si.iovro lo BiUiio 010 /s. jaoideonac £X1« osrfd adaiorids w-?Ul; ©to* 
asat^si oarfj 'wUifi-K). snidtioxadfli aior u . ; . •• " - --' 

*■ beixneqc i .*®eo3 "Si ■.:>oxQibus to- oqy? ‘eriT .&taidfl« 
^delooS erff to jnabl*m ar.r or>) v ■ ' 

,ioi>iUfol omiiq arid darid ed-ioq-vi (0S6X -xodta uia^r oiorid bno, 0X61 oxotorf 
br.o ,snoiS 5 i/oa{£> srid odnl lodita od "swai” on i>9ffoolj3 t eiv'©i .T. sali.-riO 
-ao8 rioas-riS 9 .: 4 as Xsldiaq/ni as' =./-,rr v.-Xooe art? qlriai oixaoX airi loBmr 
-si qirais 1 ’ arid ,xx/oO ,iC ayr>e t 39v»wri ,0161 XodV, oaidosrog !) .omxod 
,©iol orid od sdail/judiiiqe ri.xs erusixcdaaav fidlw \:ht o’ owcood od ft/»3 
*«laoX& 3 *x xlLvs: oaao^cf dl darid xaw arid lodta lilt d’juunr dl 

i*XoqomeoO -drirr tfdlir itonitfiaoo, ^deioo8* •/• 

- V: 0;1c? t rS- : *n*v7dJloir J4ij r> &di.1 \X t>i V~>. ; i-" v S ’' flfldi' 

"•••'•' ,^ad , Xjua*oi' Bur- tiinabO—shift ::sv -I)9i ; X«o* 


»ay;S" oriT 


t' aa&dldad &ds doirtw \;d omen xsomooo daor. Grid ?X “a^*-" 

Sflldoiaqo t 8qx/oi3 osariT .iiwoxisl 9 X 9 tftip arid 

ealqciRXG daod xx/o ©jbivoiq t ©i/piiirio9.d o>wiI-nunoi £ rid : sir x X 3 . igvo lot 
-x/dideni itofeawosK h to dnowqolovafj ei/oof.sdnoqs t 9doioJiXol>-,:oa .3 to 

.nold 

dviO otfT 


6ii ctolO doa.u/S arid ridiw ^irioan -dnoo xlel. alxoxqqA 





24 


without missing a season to this day is the Washington Park Forum, hot¬ 
ter known as tho Bug Club. There is almost no documentary evidence con¬ 
cerning this group. Nobody knows exactly when it started, for it had 
no definite beginning. Apparently it, like Topsy, "just growed." Our 
information at best, then, is merely a composite of reports of "old- 
timers." These will testify thrt about fifty years ago there used to 
be an old well at 51st Street and South Park Avenue. Centuries ago, 
says a legend, the Indians used it as a meeting placo. At any rate, 
this well was said to contain a medicinal iron. The old men of the com¬ 
munity, idling in the Park, came to drink the water, become acquainted 
with each other, and stopped to chat about the problems of the dry. 
Gradually, the well became a meeting placo for all manner of men who, 
after work hours and on Sundays and holidays, discussed such subjects 
as religion, immigration, and women's suffrage. But as times changed, 
so changed the topics. Ever after the well was closed, the neighborhood 
custom of meeting there persisted; the croY/ds grew Larger end the dis¬ 
cussion more intense. When the people in the residential district near 
tho gatherings complained of the noise and nuisance, the "Well Club" or 
("Pump Club") migrated south and east in the park to 57th Street, where 
it has hold its own to this day. 

Disintegrating forces have grown up, but none servod to de¬ 
stroy the group completely. There was animosity between Gentile and Jew 
in the earliest years and later on a gang of young Catholic rowdies 
("Rognn's Rats" from Halsted Street) caused no small amount of disturb¬ 
ance by ducking a prominent "Bug" in a near-by lagoon. Young neighbor¬ 
hood gangs frequently considered it good sport to visit the club in 
groups of twenty or thirty to disturb or break up the meetings by heck¬ 
ling. The Catholic Church itself is said to have offered a definite op¬ 
position about fifteen years ago, and the moving picture interests of 
the community held the club responsible for the declining theatet* at¬ 
tendance. A greater threat to the existence of the Bug Club cane, how¬ 
ever, in 1921, when the South Park Board issued on ordinance against the 
assemblage and the speaking of more than two or three individuals. 

South Park Police disrupted the meetings, beating up many members of the 
audience. The Bug Club immediately demanded an injunction against such 
procedure on the ground that it was unconstitutional. Judge Harry Fish¬ 
er granted their request, and when the case came up at court, a perma¬ 
nent injunction was issued. Now it is unusual to find a blue coat guard 
at the Bug Club meetings. 

Members of the audience represent diverse social, economic, 
and racial groups, with a probable preponderance of upper working class 


X J. :>/ V.U' 


. - ; - - ' . : •. 

•• • ■ • , • j J J W 1 • 

, •• v ■■■ r $t yfi.tao%&qcx& '•£&}&::l?iO<S -iffiloJ 

i .1 . ■ 

■ :i i >£;-»v /I iwXMOrfS •• - 

. i . ' • ' -. '■ - •' ■' 

j . >a 

’ ■ Cf. Wf • 

:• : . ... *« . ■ ■..• -i. : . . . ' ■ ■ ' 

; i ■ . ■ 

... ■ * ..; . Cfi ; - i ' ‘ ■ • : J-S ... •;&, ■■ * ii • ■ '. ■ 

itaut i baaii/aai& tar f &% • •• • 

&'■ •xevS iaaioi 4 ? ^ -.VsyfArf: 

Si . . fi flfl . ■ • i? ■’ • 

. • * ■ * it. > ■ 

ir. ix;ion urf* io 'ioxtirlqfisoo or! 


:.i . ul? f QOfi/.C-: XUl 


oij-a iv/v 


'O ‘V f. 


; . .- . • 


' • ' - ■"• ■ ■ - : 1 

■ - n*o a J rad* 


«3fi : 0J ; X)0V*i3e 'wwwv j-Co' :x f ffi - ... 

■ ■' • ■••'!'''■ ■ - !.}•■' 1 ■ . 

. : . [ • ■ - .... 

■ ■ • ■ : ■ - j.' ' ■ • ; • '' ■ •■ : ■ 

■ - ' • '■ .0 

a ? ' ' ; 

-aCotfrt ’' 9 %n£j*&k ; ; ^ ■" ' 

. ...' ; ... . . , ’ ’ 



y^' --io 

1 • 

■' .-;•••• 4 ' 


. 


nc=o^l 

-■ y 

• : ; . • .. 

C .-. ; ' • - . ’V • 

■ 

. i ■ 

. . • : ! ' ' 

, 


avkiil 

;*■ - , V ’' 

: ■ ■ • 

• 

-rle I''- vt'ifiH Q.: bish 

'iGaalJu? lianoo/iu a aw Si 

* ‘ 

«* ^ ,o ,ctxifc o o 

x qir 

SfiK- ’O * 3 

so uOi.v' 

% 1- owoox •* 

f (j 

■ 

.. :■ .I'.' 





■ 4 i . . \ ; 

,sintofiooe ,1 -l:.c 

IC 

svii> la 

-f. >xq^x ^.ona 

ifcirs <3n\+ lo ex 




: *v *V - • *; • ■> 

■ • ■ 

4 X>Q3tis\-V§ 'i 

, -t ft 1 

*• . f - 


25 


elements. During recent years the audience seems on the whole to be less 
prosperous. Frequently entire families come out together, not the least 
attraction being the opportunity for social contacts. College students 
have found the "Bugs" attractive, and more than one has gotten his first 
practical public speaking lesson on the park rostrum. Out-and-out radi¬ 
cals, actively affiliated with particular propaganda organizations, ap¬ 
pear fairly often to harangue, but, for the most part, the "Bugs" are 
free-lancers, liberals, and unlabeled radicals, with no unified plan for 
action. One proud "Bug" has summarized the qualifications of his col¬ 
leagues thus: "There isn’t a single subject under the shining sun that 
some member isn’t an expert on. There isn't a country talked about that 
some one hasn’t visited, be it only as a sailor before the mast. And 
the finest thing is, that wherever you go, in the city, in the country, 
or in the world, there isn’t a corner where you won't bump into another 
•Bug."' 

Since about 1919 the forum has continued in the winter season 
with indoor meetings and social functions. 


Bug House Square 

Related to the Bug Club in name and method, and overlapping in 
personnel, are the meetings at Washington Square, across from the New¬ 
berry Library at Clark Street and Walton Street* This site, at the inter¬ 
section of bohemia and hobohemia, has been a meeting place of those two 
social worlds - and of several others - for years. Official sight-seeing 
tours through the city almost invariably stop to watch the several meet¬ 
ings in progress, while the guides deliver "blurbs" like this: 

Bughouse Square is the radical center of the city. It 
is the only spot in Chicago where freedom of speech is 
allowed at all times. The freo thinkers end free speak¬ 
ers - artists socialists, communists - all get up on the 
soap box and really do their stuff. We never know what 
we are going to hear when we come down to Bug House 
Square, for everything from sex to religion comes up for 
discussion. 

Bug House Square is an area of manifold soapboxes, simultane¬ 
ously in use. It is a place of preachments and panaceas. From its plat¬ 
forms are presented cures for rheumatism, mortal sin, personal failure, 





pftoi ocf .of oXorfw orfJ no & si-rig 60it$ lbsj& crtf a ifi oi{ $0909*1 ~>ii: 0 ix-Z »&*r. j: .-/ * 
• • ■‘•' ocJ fan ,:■: ..riujo/ a -to ©moo eoilirc.G'i oiiino yLtaoup&it .w. . 

.'i -inobxtzz 9 '.. : . r '■? .aiootaoo JL&iooa rcl ^jicx/J'toqqo 

■ < - ! 4>0&6 ■■■• &,3$grX-* £& >•*f2 L 1 . ..o.'ai toftisdV-«wtit 

: - : .; . •' ■ .' ■ • ! ".V' , . M ■ '•-... 44 \; 44 . . ... :' . 

? f». I 4 MF ,. ; : 4 • :.;. I :. 4 H* 4 , : . . • »v. .: i . 4 4 • . . . . .. : 

' ■ . .■, - ' r -ji x >2-• ^^''.->‘-1 -i-..'Xf'l-.« i-i ■ 

Am id -■■ 4 : • IjMi •''■ .. ; ■ ■;•• fVP. . 1 . 

. '■ ' ; ■■ ■ : 44 • . ;'v :. 4 y .. . 

■ ■. -. • •■■■'. , " 93 ' \ , 4 : / ■ - .. 4 . :. • .• . 

i: fr&m&mwib ..- tnoqx > 4 air 1 . r. ."iss-dr . ■ ■ - 

■■ ■ 4 44 - V . 4 4 i . :. ■ ■■: - : ft •■' . i. ■; • to ;ha£ /. 

1; :. ■ . -. ; : ; 44 .. 4 . 4 v. 44 -. . J ■ . . . ci: ft "■ • •' • 

■ ■ ' ? ' •' 4 4 i • 4 ' ' =■; • ' ' ,, ■. >•;. ; . // fc 8 . 44 •. ; 

itC. "■ -">■ ’I >.,.;.; 4 a n-v v t l» i * : « 4 .;.?; -i; 

, !?»::» 4 r-; r v iJO'*: **£•■>•• >1 .•■vv 41 , 4 •; ..... . 4 v 44 ’ 

■' ■. 4 . 4 4 * 4 - "A J- • • 4 ? . 4 a . 4 -. . . ij .; .. 

[ u £ i .. ■ • 


*.: ? ii-.*.*.! .•• I 0 ?.'V> rs 9. , « • 4 :1 

V r i J.v r 44 4 4 L 4 *;•.. 

z anv-r-^-Arov.' bin t X»odJi4* Jbftij ornAH aii o'crXC oric cl 'yi.ci .. r 5 
-woW Oiit cioi’t saoloa ^eiiSi/pE ttQS$aldtr$ . ., 





•' 4 ■ . . 4 . . 4 4 ; v 4 . . ■: tn ■ . - . > .. 

' : :. 9 . :• ®l j ■: \ i 6 a . j ■. r .■ 


■\>i i.s 


— 1 :,-’o.-ij 38't f b{& sioiUils i )oi; jjPI . 5 r :;.:2S IIr> 

■ 94 s . ■' a.: 4 4 , 4 4 4 . 

;4 ' ; 4 , : V ,: §i>: ' . ' . 90 ■ I; 

• 4 ■ - ;4 ‘' ^ ■ $ ■■■■ ■ ■ 44 - 4 m :■ M3 . 

- ■ ■■ N • • • ■ m . ■ ■ ■ . . , 

'"••••" ••• 4 *- v - ••• 1 ■ ’:. X.-•• ' 

■ " : 4 W . • • A - 4 4 . 4 ■ : . .. 

iioi 4 

,;>1 ~ J -*-' * x ,IJS1 ^ * x;j:2 I-Sxion ,ma.cau/oiii lol a-oiyo iojaoeoiq i-r..o smi- 

’.:. 4 :-. ?4 , Jr :'fc ’) 1 7. ! : ,1.\ 4 . • • •; r ;*.«,!.}» ^ fc c ./It.; 

• ’* 4 ;;.;v 4 . « - ; 4 % •_ ■-. 

r- 4 '.: 4 ;.; 4 t. . • V, { .nv.r.: V--» t- 4 -!.- ,v.;o« j *«" ; 





26 


and the capitalist system. It would be a mistake, however, to group all 
speakers and preachers together, for their motives and methods are not 
the same. There is, for example, the sword-swallowing fakir who makes 
no protenso of social motive and swallows no sword until the proper num¬ 
ber of coins are thrown into tho ring. On the other hand, there is the 
volunteer agitator or radical who seeks no private revenue, but urges 
only the sale of his literature. In between these two extremes are the 
many free-lance speakers, "peddling" sex, or revolution, professing 
(and often having) social motives, but also requiring some support, for 
which the hat is passed, 

Washington Square was donated to the city of Chicago in 1842 
by three gentlemen, Messrs. Fitch, Bushnell, and Butler, who stipulated 
that it be used as a public square. It was probably not until thirty 
years thereafter, however, that it became the meeting ground of non¬ 
conformists. It is said that the German socialists, after their meet¬ 
ing in the nearby Turner Hall, and after a friendly glass of beer, would 
amble ovor to Washington Square and continue their discussion informal¬ 
ly. In the 1920*6 the I. W. W. propagandists monopolized many of the 
soap boxes; during the oarly 1930*s the Communist-sponsored organiza¬ 
tions of unemployed were in greater number; now there seems to be no 
dominant opinion. 


Community Center Forums 

Some adult educators have complained that "persons speak fre¬ 
quently of the open forum as if it were a special order of initiates, a 
sort of mecca for long-haired dobators and not a place for tho ordinary 
citizen." If this be an error, it is not a surprising one. At least 
in the past, forum-going has not been a habit of the typical American 
citizen. Even \?hen forums startod out with an audience of representa¬ 
tive men, a selective process occurred; as a rule, only the typical fo¬ 
rum habituees - such as those who constitute the nucleus of the Bugs - 
remain faithful over a long period of time. This process operated clear¬ 
ly in the case of our two early settlement house forums. 

While of the most popular locations of forums today is the so¬ 
cial service agency, only the pioneers in those fields conducted forums 
40-50 years ago. The rise of these forums cannot be traced to any gen¬ 
eral public demand, for there was no public demand. They owe their ex¬ 
istence entirely to the benevolence of a few inspired community leaders. 





X 


OX: 


1 

X t\' 

& l yj x 


• • 






/i*lf r* t & 'f* 
J i* . g v ^ * 1 


•v ■» 


Fn.V' fri't Pf) T ^ f,tfj*> 

A A» V» • " A MM.. • 


C 

# 

t 


• • • 

<■» t 


r? 


.. < *. 


•. » 


...» . l. 

3 - >•; 

»• • • * 

*i ' %# » 1 


'VI.* .*7 . } m ’J. T>"lk *' *: •/. T . •■.' . 

.. ; v ( . -. sacxvr 

■:T ; : mk-'&vM? 1 .:? 


4 # 

* 

* */ 
• • 

v .-« .»• 

w 

• • . -• - 


■ • - - 




. -j %ni\;QUG#e-Znov& jjricf 

., JEntc ysi pr 

* • «.••••• - • • • - 
f. rr -*/>♦ »•> /s 4 o •* »n * 

. ^ • *.•• . ... V ’ 

! 7« • » • . 

..,<y: *x. oi-wn' 

- r J 8 ; 


r . i 

- A 


•« 


no fla J 


‘ i 


baa 

.. f .-. ■ 


rnr/fj 






• ^ 
j i 


' * -• • 


V • - 


'•u-' *; 

• • < .. . - <•. 


•/ % 

i ♦ 


_ / j 


II 




i M 


. . f* f'» 


. * . N 

» 4 




r . 


* 


i *. 

'w m - 

; o it 


•: »» 


•V 

-A 


*1 


Til *!•.;. 




m 4 . « ’ « . «i > • • 

• % * ^ 
t * « ( ■*• • • • • »*v **. •* - •• '1 

**» v ■'• • '•« « 4 ^ V’ v i V*’* * *« *' 

r r a *’’ 1 «*' •,», f a Tf 7 r n <\r t 

Ja- 1 xit.» it.» > J Xw Ja*J 




• r> c *., 


.*» ; **. I 

* • •( • #• 

. • • *. • % • • 

/ 4 * •* >* 

*• * • *. 

4 / 

O • 4 *# . . - 

• • i 

. • ■ * 1.1 


, - f 


f. *• 


*- v* #w • . / » 

♦ . ' 

3,0 
0 . # 

a f r-’v 

, 4 '■• i i • 


0 - r !: ,f .. !i,/ 

r a 


- .c. r 


4 V 


j 0;i ,r bn.? ,i. 


[11 {cX l. 


v*-J *4 


. ' .• i - 


• ,* V. . i 


t •• 




■> * T 1 ‘t Ao A r f*r Vf r* O Mff 4 \» r *a-, 

'' •:.■ v: j T' '■’! f•?'«-/: ft'.v.- • ■ 

. rr.- n H^T^' 

^ ' ■ •S • w - r * £) r ^ 

. .. . - - HW. :..f. »• e~7 *• -' v .. it..*,- •< • , 

, o . t < ? . • f . n r^- .... 






i ft. 


r r> *" 

. > v. '< 




4 / 




•f ^* 


i«. 




t.i n 


U4 * 


J r : 

r 

«b 

» • • * f 

•*. • «*;• / 

-. * *f 

• 4 ; 


.. *. r 


. * 


- .». »- ' ■» 


» . 



T f 

% U ' * 

. 1 ^ I 


XD 




3!0a 


»* -v*; •. *:.*•. f ... 4 *• 


i Jt 


• * 
V 


4U4 


• > # 

w ^ •— 

[.oo a 

[ 0 l^ 

r. i oJb 




• • • « 


.•* . •• •» 
/ . . • 


■» t 


/ -v .• 
. • *• 


Xi - . t •* c 


s « 


•' 1 >./V 


•■ . * * 


f 

Co. 


Y. 


•a 


j •• 




iti ::c Tpfrio XRiooqo a prowr 4i li oo « 

V * * '. ' , ■■’ *’ ' ' ■ r I i*V A A/S r f"f f* f V / J 

. 1 ' > y*< !*.-■» ..V *.t: ** •, r * * { fir 

• . •«• * a » « • ^ *• ■ r m .< % • • 4> ‘ • »\* '* V ^ • * # . * • , f • * •- •»•. %•* •’ .X V 

. • t ♦ J* . i* v *r* T IT f D ^ T! 4 ,*• -» f ■ > 

; . • v ; „ V I. - r >.'■ ' S" V-. ■ r'-’ ->• :• (t.. '•> • , 

. J ‘ f ’ i. *» i 

• V \Tr :. i J •' s. - • • V .V *.# V 5. ' : V \.J T« y.- . i T '..'ViliT L 

•: ; . - • \ ..-••• • j i •• • • i r?i • i li • •-' 

... f . ta.'J i J L C* » 4 V S. ■ « • I • ( a .1 . 4 .. . s '> 4.! •» .* ^ .. | . A 4 4 

• • 

. 1 » ‘ 4 "' - • • - . -5 f 

• • % > I *•.* • •. -I, * * • M '••*» — / «• * • • • y .4# .* i V‘.«# •■%-•••. 1 » / • * l • H*« 't •• » 4 U • 4 

/1 . r' / • \ f* , k r # ’ , ,• 

•»W’. /< ' >• •• ••• ( , «f . . . • . - • ‘ 

• < -or 

■ • o f ?; f .. i ■' . . '< * I t) t 

'• i * *' r: ' ' • •• - . I .. ' 4 /,, .. v t ;;* i 

i . ‘to v, -> X^xiixir/t 

AT - r, .”3 ‘(ft f 1 ’ #'■ r\ : r , . • . y 

•*~.C- r "j ' * j r *(' * f> i h-r-r 1 -- .* •. va " i*- t ■■ 

. . ■ V ■ . 


V* 






/ ^ i ' C '•f ;•- 

{ r r -* > ' • - 1 

f > * > 

vir ' f ?'.W-* ... 

+l+\ • ■ 4 •• 

A • *1 *. 

-v. » J ;r,' »., 

■ ^ ]i ~- 

< 4 4 • • 

• • 9 0 ' T 1 M 

n t .*. • 4 *.. - W 


"io Stos 

I.*- - r tiio 

t 

n. j 


4? ^ 


r f 1 f 
- * 


•\ IM4|4V 

. 




7 f 


»• ; o 




4 "■ 


•4 
• t 


, • . ..' ,1 - J T <■ • .4 * J . J*“ | * 

el „v;...... ,.;,rxo^. ,;p r .^ 

<C I j 3Xr:.nori . k U I i : OSOj 

• *. ■ > * "• t n *C * / >.*{Af 

r 

■ .**' . ■ 'y - -•••*>' ■ f 

-> V ^ r ; * . .4 . , * 5-7 . 

*—*•'*- ••* •.••••.» .. .I ,i a . •. 4.* i 

4 » , l/ 4 pi7 ’w M." 1 ^ i- £\*r r/Vtifr <• , 

• \ 4, ." f V'| 'r • v ^» '• - T - * . ^ ; " • 

• /»« |- . 

• *r «r* V *• • i. • • . » 

• f« • •#-**••% # K- / 4 # • * • • %J 


r v # ir • * 

v ,*> i 

4. -I 0 •. •• • • V 

'1 ' 

.. ■ •■« / ■- * ‘ 

>. »*•! •• ' j 

7- 7. ? 


• • l**-4 


\'A 

• • • • w 


^ I * * 

f. 


;>r» 
V * 1 


- - •• «-* 

.. « r 

,i _ .. i. 

r' ■• : - <-■ 

f , '• -.-Vv. 




i IV 
-*■ * 






i.‘ v/. 


» \ 


27 


Those were liberal fellows, sensitive to the social disharmony about 
them. Thoy were convinced that the repression of foreign born workers 
and their economic deprivation were social evils. But they could not 
support the current radical schemes for revolutionary change. Nor did 
they have a panacea of their own. In this condition of suspended judge¬ 
ment thoy felt that the best thing to do was to take it out in talk. 

So, here and there, in the settlements which rose as an anti¬ 
dote to the ruthless melting pot forces of the city, and in those 
churches whose secularization occurred under a liberal ministry, forums 
were adopted. The purpose of these earlier forums, rising as they did 
in a period of industrial turmoil, was frequently expressed in terms of 
the necessity for harmonizing the relationship between labor and capi¬ 
tal. 


The Working People Social Science Club 

One of the earliest of this group of forums met at Hull House, 
beginning in 1890 and continuing for seven years. Jane Addams conceived 
its purpose thus: 


To give opportunity for representatives of 
various economic theories to modify each other, 
and at least to learn tolerance and the futility 
of endearing to convince all the world of the 
truth of one position.* 

The opportunity for free discussion naturally attracted radi¬ 
cals of all political complexions who tended to be among the more artic¬ 
ulate members of the audience. These were undoubtedly responsible, at 
least in part, for the reputation for radicalism under which Hull House 
labored from its earliest days. The spirit of the club is revealed in 
this brief comment by Miss Addams: 

. . • The enthusiasm of this club seldom lagged. 

Its zest for discussion \7as unceasing, and any 
attempt to turn it into a study or reading club 
always met with the strong disapprobation of the 


* Graham Taylor, Chicago Commons Through Forty Years (Chicago: Chicago 
Commons Association, 1936) p. 125, quoting from Jame Addams 




* v 


Jte&wt -wto -mris yt ■ 

blitoo %*d& nM -aXXrvo Ststsm ■ • . ■ ' • 

•.OgfUVlO ^4ifl043tt3ab«W *W>5 OWRU/iOf .....:: : JY :.. •»■ 

.r- .. os e^k .r w m k - >. [ ■ - ? \i i 

«, ■ •>t at iuo a wte* otf ■■ ‘ ■ • 

-ItrM it£ an oao*i rio.iriw '^dn.32io;i"W.we oifr : «- •• 

oit$ ‘So joauSrfc ;*0£r.:;&fch4Uc. &<?■& 

aou/to'l te: a 'xaJbxai , fonn»s2.afc oqosLw ■. w •• 

,;■■■ ■' •? n ■ ©« rt . - * -■ ■ ■ ■- w 

f<v oftnotf rtl jboaao'iqx'. ';X. : . oeif , , : .:t* * 

id vO':t-: .&fr.k : .:•• -•••: • ! 

■ ■ X • . 


$ g Jj 


\-> r : /w . (l/r. v . r . • . - fc *: 

. —>**—s.._ ..v — ,.v. - ..wv . '.t* _J . .**- . 

i 

, -V MO »I ;«#* Jji - .% ,-/P 

ta&tibA Mtfl .tWaWW-iflWnMa'i • " -0 


' j A t<j» ; : -QTl ;;9 

• ■:: . c J ; U . > • " * -v 

it ■ - oog a - i. ■ • . ts ■ ; 

*{lt lo* M«OW.:dd[lUlAi=»OftiVCOO % 0 •;• 

*'? mi : 1 i a •'. ; ..f; : •> - 


r • - -Tt i-.-- \tMu‘'fZGqQO-,»4T 

■ .. ■ babnu >;cd ’■ - ^?Xoo 

. i'S t& ■ '■■ ■ ■ . *} .Jt&M 5 . f 

' ■ ' fVyi .v . : ( ■, * , , ■ ■ ; . ;• • 


r $'S 0 •••.■■ V. > 


•c " r liaise 




bJjis ■' Jitor. «SteJt4iffi?'«&;.PTiT. ♦ 

;• £u& v^ii fMWdnaw- 8jaw.(fld.te««afeiir -.^0% 0 ^ I 

• • : •• "■ ■ .v . . nr*. ; ' v»,""v. 

■ .' ! :.i‘ ; .: r '-■'xi r ?.:: - ..• ^ .. : ■ ; •■' 


• ; ■ ■■•■’•." : :• 1 ■ '■' •• . . ■ . ■■ ’/■. f -.. r L 

'■' t‘ ; yr ; - i'i- - L ■ 1 0 , : ;. , 





28 


members. In those weekly discussions in the Hull 
House drawing-room everything was thrown back upon 
general principles and all else discarded as an 
unworthy, half-way measure. I recall one evening 
in this club when an exasperated member had thrown 
out the statement that "Mr. B. bolieves that so¬ 
cialism will cure even tho toothache, "Mr. B. 
promptly rose to his feet and said that it certain¬ 
ly would, that when evory child 1 s teeth wore system¬ 
atically cared for from tho beginning, toothache 
would disappear from the face of tho earth, belong¬ 
ing, as it did, to the extinct competitive order, 
as the black plague had disappeared from the earth 
with the illirogulated feudal regime of the Middle 
Ages.* 


Chicago Commons 1 Free Floor 

Following closely in tho footsteps of tho Social Science Club 
of Hull House was the Free Floor of the Chicago Commons . It too met for 
seven years, closing when the sponsors feared that instead of serving a 
community need of neighborhood discussion, it vvas becoming a rendezvous 
for fanatics and extremists from all sections of town. In the Commons, 
as well as at Hull House, tho innovation of a forum at a social settle¬ 
ment was not accepted with unqualified enthusiasm. The unorganized 
workers, the new immigrants, were shy of the unfamiliar procedure. Rad¬ 
icals frequently rosented the liberalism which mollified existing evils 
and seduced the potential convorts of radicalism. More articulate and 
vicious in attacking the forum, however, was the conservative press which 
maintained that the sociologist and the socialist were one and the same 
that the social settlement was "first cousin to the anarchist," that dis¬ 
passionate discussions of social evils entailed tacit approval of these 
evils, and that the "ignorant immigrant" and his children, guided by 
"cruel fate. . . . into the socialist precincts of Hull House and Chicago 
Commons" would be trained in anarchic hostility to American institutions. 

Despite these criticisms, the Free Floor thrived. Its founder 
describes its function and its functioning: 

We published the call to our Free Floor in The 
Chicago Daily News , inviting "all sides to free 
speech with no favors" every Tuesday evening. From 


* Jane Addams, Twenty Years at Hull House (New York: The MacMillan Co., 
1911) p. 188 








» 


4 

t 



* »• * ,.T ’J :■ »,v»| •• i. v,.‘ ♦-* r . * • i .» ‘£ "• 

» . . ... y .. v. V.-k-f * ' 1 • • *' v- .. f 

V ’‘V- / *r ■■■*•*■ ••>••' ' 

1 

• ■• • a i-;. Vr" 6-ai • :• •• • 1 ' 1 • • 

t i : .v . V ' i * . . • 


•*i X «l v v * •• 

v 

. 4 - • / * ’ 

*• \ » “• » 


. r y- •, - • 

-to : 


; J . * - ; .i 


4 1 


i > 

1 • / • • 




/• 

f * 


n Jt 

W» J 


. •» 


1 • * k» 


•I 1 


:t{\T c !J xr.- V 

• # * • * • * i • 4|j •*?;'»»' if • ■ ' I * • « . 

. . ,. % g ...... 

,«ri3W«b*fr' W •*»*§> il 2t 

■ Sit • ' ' '• ■ - 1 '- ' • ■.■■ 

>7 >i!3Qt e-'Hixfc ,V: '■ ■•• ' " 

*• f ' •'■••'■' ' ' a \. rs ■ 

'? y j' ^rrttoo ? :-u:. .*'•■■ ■ ■& •• »-'• ‘ 

’•s.' > lu.i'vr-x' . ' ; 

: ’ - •- ‘ " 1 ‘ * '-"J 


/ > 


bfiX 


A. 






f 


. *r.' 

.. u 1 >K * > 


fcJ 


• *.*• - •• *. 


'•'• % .iVi-C 


v 


iL .w 7 


\ ■. ;;* 


«* - L 


i ‘ • 

• . 


V*4 


•f 


uH io 




*. - 
•. • , i 1 •: 


. :. 

IN * 


% ■ V » 


. •*. • *• fi i .*i i *' i V M (^ ’ r ’ ’’ »*'* • «. * ^ * J *' '• * i 

/'c^ J ' ^8 nrli lo ■ 0 ‘ v '- J - % •- w • * •• •••’••- 

: • .. .. r• • .. ■ ..c: . . .. . • ...r-» • . 

f •' 1 • .X, » -W. ~ f ■*. ..»• . ^ .... - .. — „ 

■ ■■ •;. .• .. • • ,S-: *l ••: 

■ J -'7 • Jjm . • - 

I % . . , . ... • - ■ • s. * * 1 • • * 

• • • - Ji «* • >.* . i ■ .: . - - • i • •* • u • ••- *•' 9 - • ' * ‘ r 

• • - • c . ; 

, ■ . « *• 'V' t r./., f ./(,'h • *> * J .* r f l* *••,?» , ’*-■ '* * * . ‘J! J. ~ 

, V - ' r1 ., i'l* , • r< , * , • i - , r* ♦ ft fS fH 

Iki ' • * U A V* 1 t _ • -.yv, ■* « 'fVtrt® 

• • ..•? \ vs . .. . 5 • 

*• • ’»• .V; * . . ^ .r ■ k ' r ■ f ' >0 1 

* ^ ' • - * *A*r*»*i^ 

'•. .*• I .-v i »v r./jiy f ; * *•. f , * • i :*•..* * *•• •;•,j J JI 

4 . • • • • • \■* • • 

-a. -,r! • j ; •• ; jaOlOIT 

Vrc vf y: --- ?“ 

- • • jr * ». -t f ■* J* .» ♦: i- f \/ » 


. i / 


* C I 



7 / ; ■■ ■(i j 




. » > • v *■ » . • * •/■«•. 

1 , .» »V A . ) 4 >• 


V - 




i ‘ o: .1 


•ef 


4 


# '» !■ f ' 

. ,y(. 


I'.i. 


! * •* • 

• i - .v / 


A t 


v(! 


t i 


0 • • 

* 


■j iqaoU 

y. 


lOOOl) 


.. . t ii . i, j> J ;i!') s>v: 

• • . ■ - • -- £i 

■ ■ . :77 i ?»J . ff Wl 


r 

-£L 


( »^v ' 


* *; •* % 

- ' . • . 4 ... 

, t f ,•*! 1. 

(.Jb i r* * 


•l” 


* ? I* 5 ' 1 t 


v r» 




n f 






29 


a score who came to the first meeting the attendance 
grew to an average of one hundred and sometimes triple 
that number. Most of them were men of our neighbor¬ 
hood, few of whom were organized in labor unions and 
scarcely any in radical groups. Many students and 
some professors from universities, seminaries, and 
other professional groups frequently attended. Oc¬ 
casionally a few business men were present. An in¬ 
creasing proportion of the attendance came from 
other parts of the city, drawn by press reports 
which far more often sensationally exaggerated some 
extreme utterance and seldom fairly reported the 
spirit ^nd purport of the whole discussion. 

In accordance with our proposal to make the oc¬ 
casion frankly democratic both in spirit and proced¬ 
ure, the men agreed to limit the opening speech by a 
speaker of their own choice to twenty minutes and all 
others participating in the discussion to three mi¬ 
nutes, unless these time limits were extended by vote. 
The only limit to the freedom of speech was that the 
advocacy of violence would be out of order. The only 
concession to Chicago Commons was that the chairman^ 
ship of the meeting should be filled by myself or by 
follow resident, John Palmer Gavit. We held oursel¬ 
ves and were held strictly within the limits of time 
proscribed from the floor. 

The topics for discussion, also proposed from 
the floor, ranged very widely. They dealt with eco¬ 
nomic issues such as thrift and spendthrift, wages 
and hours of labor, profits and trusts, as well as 
with inter-racial and international relations, peace 
and war. The ethics of the family, marriage, health 
and housing, childhood and old age were quito as ea¬ 
gerly and frankly discussed. No topics were more 
frequently chosen or earnestly debated than those of 
religion and the church, almost always centering upon 
the person and teachings of Jesus and challenging his 
professed followers’ loyalty to him or his ideals and 
aims. For the first two months of these meetings our 
Chicago Commons group was challenged to define our 
religion and to attest our loyalty to the example of 
Jesus. 

The speakers representing widely different views 
were respectfully heard. Yet their opinions were dis¬ 
cussed with fearless frankness. . . Men of large yet 


aooajkaatflB aritf sfiliaatn inly *tii oJ aewp $dw «toof j 

oluin-t a^uU&aoB iscin bs-ibkijii ! *ho io ' .•.' ; ■ 

:L . .. 


-nodd^ioa -rise to 'rt3«i' iH** ' ' . 



Y e ‘ i : ii 

'{/{'-‘t dr'll-" ( S i t $ '9&4 

l ' \ i • : ■ ' . . 

■ fcoSiaqra'i •; \ 5'$- . ’ 

_ffn Fh if net vi Affcr ^ci- :f4rtonr;^ * hi! * 

* • 


•noiaayosib tildrfvf ei£r 'to 
5 exsJ’ eof'yc oi I&aoqoi v 


' . : 

r ■'' ' '■ 

:i. 


I ‘: ' In'. , ; * v ' 

’ t ■ ; ; ' ' / •’.: -j* t ; i ' '3ii ;■ ;' 

- ■ ■.•;••• ■ ■ *iial,ss>qa| .* *. , 

•a ■ ; 'src :iau ,& ! i3tKvy '/ */,’ 

od# Jiwfa s-.-v. do '9 : . *.. ' . ’ 

\\-. :o aril ,i fcfrti ’ ■ 03ff ' S : ' ' 

*' • t .j ' i ‘; ■’... L ‘ ' 

ii 38,. • v T.Pi-• i ; ; . ; •' "i ; 


V io 

•WHO J>i . V , I r-/ '•.,. 


• ■ 1: ■ iiztU ; : . 

~i .’ii.' i. 


ajimil arti' cf£ii£iiff 'k>£‘;Xi y^?.w bo 1 '- ''_. ‘ 'T ' 

'‘l * • ' . !.f4„ . *il {•« * • V* •- ' ■ •-"* •> - : ’» ' 

a - . * ‘ ' V ‘ . 

: v . * : _ 

• . >' T . yf\7 ; ' • . >c ‘ r ■. '* 1 r " : • ■ ■ 



di 

i: ■ 

v < 


C i ■ ■ ‘ .'i 
• • . . : V- 


• •' * 

t • 

69" 

■> 


" 

v. .■ 


i u, : 



7 

rt n 

P fj 

II 

ow ?..r 




■ • • 

■ 

C . •' 


SOfitX 

A i 

acoi J 


"r ’ 


;cVo;? 

. f- 

• •. f . , ■ i 

«l ii 

li; X.^ 

id 


■ 

4 V' [ 

• 

;V 

■:.> j. 

; i 

'C : yn 


—,C • 


O'XI'P 


f 

, \.l.' 

• 

* 


O' 


3TCOW 

.■ i.p V 

5K 


. t ; 



' 

2 •' ‘ 


' •.. 


may 

-3x190 

: ■ 


.. : ' >-.7. 


• J •' 

: v ’’ 

8 i 

._^A. i >1 * ^* i i iiX i) 

• * 

<*' 9*0* " v •’ 

.... 


■bn 

olaobi eiri 

I 

a in'.' 

- ... - i ?" 


y?: 

' 

9? 

5 ■ 

■ y* ! 

x<' • 

V:.rV....: ' ", - 

:" 

... •, 

t 

ire oo Hot c 



U . y ' 


> r * ; . « 

", 

“ic 

alqaexs ©ifi 

oi 


■'v : 


• *... ./ . 


4» <IU . 


ewaiv ta&*te¥ikb YlaJbirT gai . : . 


«- 


.. J . ••• : 1 ■ ; -y'c •/. 

- i- ^ : • */ ■' . . V r . -u i 

ifrt ©^IjsI 1o A3M , ',08>&tV.rs’i, ' 1 ; .'■. ,»• •<-•«•••••-y./! 


30 


humbled, spirit proved themselves to be worthiest by 
happily meeting fellowmen on a man-to-man equality. 

Other men, smaller by nature, or self-assertive by 
habit, did not fare so well. Some judges and clergy¬ 
men resented contradiction, from which both the bench 
and the pulpit protected them. . . . .♦ 

In 1903 the Free Floor adjourned for the last tine. Today the 
community seems unresponsive to forums. This nay in part be explained 
by the fact that the Scandinavians who previously dominated the neigh¬ 
borhood were succeeded by Italians who were familiar neither with the 
English language nor with the discussion technique. Other factors are 
the prevalent indifference to forums and, perhaps, a lack of inspired 
leadership. 


History Shows . . . • 

Our review of early forums shows that they have not in the past 
been sustained by community habit or public opinion. Unless some indi¬ 
vidual or organization took the entire initiative and responsibility for 
a forum, it died. The outstanding exceptions to this generalization oc¬ 
cur in the case of the Bug Club and Bug House Square which have become 
city-wide centers for the "forum hounds." They are characterized by 
their informality and unorthodox method. 

Perhaps this apparent lack of forun popularity is due partly 
to the fact that forums are not a traditional mode of public education 
and or recreation. Can they become such? Perhaps we will be more com¬ 
petent to answer this question after carefully considering present-day 
forums in Chicago. 


* Taylor , Op. Cit ., pp. 125-27 







! 



*. •' -1 ! •- -i 

'Xr.i--pe iicn-c- j? «r i-^iwolla' vaitoea yf iqqMi 
is ■ a 

■ • . ... . ' «« 
>•...., fti : ' ; . 


■ ■ ■ ■ . 1 .. ■ ' . ■ . * ■ 

; ©vieacqaoimf 8Q998 .. «• 

Sr, • 1 .'* sxli ytf 

& iis tiitxf I9d) 10--. TciUctf.a .. -..rr < .• . .r.il-sl '& iohe&sova Qiav bocdiod 
t)ir, aio.tor.1 'iQ.' j0 • .-■'oiC-i'.: >* a ’ ■ .2 /,• -i.j ,,S i i ion & r _ r cyi r -i.o- xlil.: 

• • ? actor fno£&v 

. ,(jixi8rroi>«ol 



• - - *' • ' &-■■■ *■ • ■ ■ . • *'J 

v . . • - ' ' ■ • f £.* 


i j •- • •" 

-■ . .V. 

■') :.V V ;:v ...'•• 

.• i . 


. / '-■■■jl'■ 'o;i? ^btifst^daHol z 

. ' ££ <fj j \ t ' ; : • i 

. , r\. \ ■ •' ' : ' -■ - 


Vi .-race ;-i %iii -Lr.-x.; c..r*ol r.l vu. .c^c 8id* sqaiflo^ 

r . :1roi. r i c/V . . Vo • o : :s. : •• ' . /: vt 3 giitnol Srrli ox'' o.+ 

-noa air « od £1.:■.« •••• . 1 •=. ^..'d u»0 ,aoi*A©ic»i -o 

..v ;;v ; v,. vj‘i 'lair.o v. ..ciieovp aid* i»wftar. oJ ircuiq 

»ovnoidO «2 r xvo.'r 






PART II 


CHICAGO FORUMS FOR PROTEST 















■ 











CHAPTER III 


HISTORY OF CHICAGO PROTEST - FORUMS 


Non-donfornists in religion 
Ethical Society 
Arthur Morrow Lewis 
Percy Ward 
M. M. Mangassarian 
Secular Union 

Non-conformists in politics 
The Socialist Party 
Henry George Clubs 

Anarchists and the Social Science Club 

I.W.W. 

Non-conformists in morals and folkways 
The Bohemians 

Hulda Potter Loomis's Open Forum 
The Dill Pickle 

Followers of the Dill on the Near-North Side 
The Hobohemians 

The role of Dr* Ben L* Reitnan 
Locture and Sociological Clinic - 1907, first 
hobo college Scho o l for Social Pathology 
Other Hobo Colleges 






TJ ■ • n ' '■ 


aoigilo*! '-til a^ainiaiiioa-aoK 
1-3*2 :'I«oiii±2 
■-SjtwbJ'wc;ii" : ! r- *!,-•;• A 
. -firttt&Yf-.xsnw^ 

■tfjdll ,2' 

xsjiiiU 

8=3i* iXoq~ a i a J eim > *: - - • - <ioK 
* v^Jlr^ ■’ *& IS i.^-cP -orJT 
' srfifXO o^i o&tO - vs . 

d«XO son 3,108 J fc fefojff • otit :';n.■: a,*ei.'i otisxiA 

... . 

•aaaJtcnribE on'T 

OH^pl gdqQi^BlttOOiX ObXttH 

••ifataKUIiC ovIT 

• - • • • • ' 

: cSiXhino-flodcH- orsT 

' •. : '-i- -H * -*I- ‘ a&H* Vx 'r.-- : - •• 

' • ' . ■ . ■ ; ■’••'. 











31 


CHAPTER III 

HISTORY OP CHICAGO PROTEST - FORUMS 


A glance at our table of contents will show that the protest 
foruns and the status quo forums are to bo considered in different sec¬ 
tions; for although overlapping between categories is sometimes found 
and the formal procedure is the sane, they are so different in purpose, 
personnel, spirit, and sponsorship as to warrant separate attention 

The forum in Chicago owed much of its early stamina to its 
function as a platform for minority opinions. The forums of the non¬ 
conformists in various fields were among the earliest successful ones in 
this city, and it is these which produced the characteristic ’’forum type” 
of personality. The preponderance of radical speakers at the Bug Club 
and Bug House Square, as well as their articulateness at even the "re¬ 
spectable” Sunset Club, are cases in point. 

The several kinds of protest forums may be outlined in some 
such manner as this: 

A. Non-conformists in religion 
The Freethinkers 

B. Non-conformists in politics 
Socialists 

Single Taxers 

Anarchists 

I.W.W 

C. Non-conformists in morals and folkways 
. Bohemian 

Hobohemian 


Non-Conformists in Religion 


The freethinkers were among the earliest local intelligentsia. 
Sometimes they were associated with the political radicals and the bohe¬ 
mians, and sometimes not. Several series of weekly lectures in the 1890’s 
and 1900's represented their point of view. 



Ill 





r:i 

i ' . . 

ft ■ 1 K« - ■ « * 

•■.■■• ' • ■ ' 

a.cqw ai tavxotttb o* sir. ,onca srfl ei OTa^oon- 9** 

* B£ 5iriei08Xioqs Lor, ,?i'rqe ,IdriflOeioq 

' ' : . '. : - •;., I . • • a * * - - : - •'! >’ •.. . • 

' it . • ■ * ■' * ! ’ . 

' • • • Mil • • r ' • • - 

; ' .. ., - 
. .....•■_ • - - ■ ---" -■■-■■■ - •• ' 

• : ■ ; - ■ / • ' ■ - ' .... 

. ' r; - ^ : - 

' a . ■. • . ■, n ■ : " ' ‘ 

*x . ■;• ....... ... 




ui ‘-: 


■ . 7~" '. * '■ - ’ l “* ‘ : * ' ' ( - 

. I i ■■. ■ - - ■ ' ■ • 

.... ... t fra fc* ft "kH ■ - ' "■ ' ■ 

v - l; :r :•-.■? I . IZ "’ 
8iexrT o 1m} iZ 
, ; i«K» • ■ ' 

CT. tjtf.I 

... I '■ ■ ■ ‘ 

‘ '■ • 

*-• cjh iridic'-/’ 

... ’■ i: '• ••. r-J 


r v. 


■i i 


a. c.r.-i i s j: .-I a 3 -ji cm c'Inc0-aoH a " ; '■■ : . 

r. ;i c - - 


'mke*r.o%tllbiat LrdoI Gasilina anoao otsw 9rfT 

to 

; 1 ...i si ns*■ ■ '• ; • ■ • 

•wolv 'ic tatoq -xq©*! s’OOCX An£ 


;.CV V..; 

,.-;i 




if ‘ <;y 

v . u i.. : / • •' • . ’•*' 


\\ i 


ro 
'.•... r 


: fe % i-‘ o • * 

, . .. >.~r i •• •• » :C 

... .--..j;...‘ 





32 


The Chicago Ethical Society 


This group was founded in 1882 as a "completely non-sectarian 
fellowship to promote the knowledge and practice of right living, 11 Its 
Sunday morning locturos, like most others in this early period, tended 
to he more concerned with religion and more broadly philosophical than 
is the present trend. The spirit of presentation and the attendance va¬ 
ried with the "Loader," If he was militantly atheistic, like M.M. Man- 
gassarian the lectures took on that color. If he was politically liber¬ 
al, like the founding Leader, William U. Salter, who (in the face of 
much opposition, oven from his own membership) publicly defended the An¬ 
archists charged with bombing in the Haymarket Riot of 1886, the lectures 
reflected that bias. In general the audiences then, as now, represented 
a preponderance of the white-collared elite - lawyers, doctors, teachers. 


Lewis's Workers University 


Arthur Morrow Lewis, formerly an English preacher, later con¬ 
verted to socialism, is said to have held spellbound audiences of a thou¬ 
sand at his ' Worker's University , 1 It met weekly on Sunday mornings for a 
number of years beginning in 1907, A twenty-five cent admission was 
charged, and questions were permitted after Mr, Lewis's (or the guest 
speaker's) presentation. The purpose of these lectures is explained by 
Mr, Lewis himself: 

Theso lectures attenpt something new in Socialist 
lecturing in this country. Hitherto all our public 
speaking has been purely of the propaganda order and 
with a strong campaign flavor. This was justified by 
the numerical weakness of the movement and the necessity 
for securing new converts. Nowadays, however, it is 
different. We have a large army of Socialists which is 
especially numerous in the cities and this army provides 
a field for lectures designed to educate Socialists 
themselves in the full scope of their philosophy, 

While all that it is necessary to learn before one 
votes the Socialist ticket or joins the party may be 
learned at a single meeting, all students of Socialist 
philosophy know that its mastery means many years of hard 
study, and brings with it an excellent general education, 

Theso Garrick Lectures are delivered with a view to this 
latter development and they should not be judged by the 



j / do 3 .O^AOJj^p :-j$: 



• t d 81 to Join dteaftiWpsR xil -.M - rv,_e rtt*r Aosisao ***■ / 

,31 VDJ.'- ,&1^^S|fe£ 9iiio ^©.1fiI'4vp-S>i*‘' v... •. ! OOSAie-'K-ii^^. .<5 


^XAeiOviatr exojhoS s>a,l,wpi£ 


-aor io£/>X ,194080*!iq dail^aS? TfX<lOfirtp‘t fi eiW9»X. '-. ' ■ ■ - 

.. un hruretfllaqst l>Xpr» ■ sv.'vn o.l /ri.^s - .. .•■■■■' 
b lot 9 &tktn<m 't'bM8 ao \Uojht Voss il; ^laioviftU g^.^tc^ g^rt »*r. 
v acXaatafi* tfnoo avitr^now^- A- .fv^X ru 
,. •_•;/ . o:.j io5 3 1 e iwol• ,iii • io Jt* .ul: J vr : . , • , 

fc'oaialqxo e r saiitfopX oa or? j.' to'.©fpqj*«i; «f&; (fcfra&a 

:£Xaaai&'alwo£~ •«!!' 

$9ll&l&<t8 ai ma saijfioepa. i^pioiie80%i/ippS-oavdf 

OlXdirq iw XXa>«s4*iBk- .. : • UP® aini ru ■ SftfuwTool ; 

.*:,.- ioJ/jo -■/.r^.nqc 'ic odJ .tc _.\;4v'W' v i.r*P.p4 as».. ..r.X&'iaqa-r 

«wr,.'el4T'/ iiov^it -.^10,14o. 

^ i ’rjtoa odJ £«s tas*ftira$l odf 

si U f iovowori ;«&£*>••• , - 

ai d6tkrr aiai-UiocS oi;;. ,Xjx6>i9ttl& 

aabivoiq ^rxu »|ffcf frxo 'aot'ifiq .arfo /i X .9vc%*mf&\x£l* 11*qa a 
ajcilMiooS aj/jaxrbo o# ISda^iao/:) soixflooX jiet bXOtl'A' 
.^icoaoXlii:. liorfi te 9^ao* Jfx/t odl nr aovlOMftrfI 
sac aiototf 'xrtftsl erf .^i^sa.Qaan ai : Ji v+rjdX IXa oX/iv.-r" 

od '-*/*? Tjiinq axfi ,exj,iat ic ta^foX? 4$ j^Irri aoS.-‘>rl J- • 

jAliaiooS ’io e Ssi&bsfi a fla, ,;&aiS^ari. aXsnie.8 . • is»aU5*^ r ' 

■ ■-• ? afiq 

► ' : : • .rijitf 'fcit t '■ 

rldi oi walv o rii iv? X«o ; xvvi-aif-:aaif'4 *>*£:■ -v^>ri'£-- C 

idX vcf ®’X ^ori.. i-iixwAiS .^ari^- bn& : .in&sicjoloyob .-lotfial-.i 


33 


standards which apply to a campaign propaganda speech.* 

Whereas the Socialist Party officially repudiated these lec¬ 
tures as too violently anti-religious, they were attended by intellec¬ 
tuals and radicals of every school. As one radical put it, "Everyone 
came to the Garrick Theatre on Sunday mornings. I used to go there to 
meet people." 


Dr. Percy Ward 


Dr* Percy Ward was active during part of Lewis 1 career. Coming 
nere in 1910, an ex-Mcthodist clergyman from England, he has delivered 
froe thought lectures almost regularly up to this date. Ward's repetoire 
includes such varied themes as "How to Become an Effective Speaker" and 
"Sex in the Light of Modem Science," but he has most frequently discussed 
and debated philosophical issues like "Will the Mind of Man Outgrow Re- 
ligion?" "Nineteenth Century Christianity and Labor," and "Has Einstein 
Solved the Riddle of the Universe?" Dr. Ward does not call for questions 
at the end of his presentation because he feels that "Questions make an 
anti-climax. It's like discussion or amateur singing after a great op¬ 
era. " 


M, M. Mangassarian 


M. M. Mangassarian, a former Presbyterian minister, who became 
intensely influenced by Robert G. Ingersoll, lectured weekly from about 
1904 to 1914, generally, on themes of religion and ethics. His oratory 
has been praised by friend p.nd critic alike. One speaks of him as a 
"pyrotechnic." Another comments tnrt while Dr. Lewis excelled at smash¬ 
ing idols, Managassarian alone was capable of pulverizing the broken bits. 
His audiences were composed more of the economic elite; as his politics 
were extremely conservative, radicals seldom visited his programs. 


* Arthur Morrow Lewis, Ten 31ind Leaders of tne Blind (Chicago; C« H. 
Kerr and Co., 1909), preface. 






ss 




- 

w " • ' : ' ‘ Vt •• 

. . ; 1 •• ■ : ' 

* a .... . v - .. ' - . . _ 

■ ■ ■ * • • ■; • V" , • 

• . 


04 CTT J! - T 03 C 


i 'l .71 


■■ ' ; ;v _ ' 

; •• '• 9t ■■■ . ; -' - • • . 

• i • ' 

' • •• •' ■ •• . :■ V 

• . \ . . : •• 

; . . - . - . ■ ; ; ■ i ■. ;; 

• ' ' '• . . :••• ' 

... ’ • ' ' : 

>. . ' • ' • •• v • : : . . ■ - 1 ' . .' 

' • ' : • . .. . ; 

. . o 

* I - : - 


nr/iA3- **t.: ,K *M 


• ;■ v.? 

t ■ ‘ : 

ii %l?i >r i>^nu;^9a£ ;iH48tesaI • .C- i)3onouXlnf 

. / • : . • \ 

. . ; ; ' . : • . ’ 

' ■' ■ 3 ‘ : 

• 8 tRsrs.'k&'iq - i". siiaiv ctoLI&s 2 Cro if t avi^f,\rsoexioo Ml* 


sad 
u 


: - ;0‘J im.i £c -... i " 


.>-i 1 t'li ■•usdi’ik * 

• 1 " 


K .0 





34 


The Secular Union 


The first free thought organization, however, which conducted 
a weekly lecture-discussion program that truly fits our definition of 
’’forum" seems to have been the Secular Union* Let us get our view of 
this group through the reminiscences of Seymour Stedman, veteran of Chi¬ 
cago liberal and socialist movements: 

Fifty years ago there was a public forum on the West 
Side known as the Secular Union. It was founded on the 
"Nine Points" of the secular movement then very strong in 
the United States and Canada, which included such demands 
as taxation of church property and the right to testify by 
affirmation rather than by oath. Active participants in 
this movement in Chicago included Clarence Darrow (who came 
hero unacquainted and without a practice, and v/ho started 
his career in the Union), Lucy Parsons, widow of the rnarch- 
ist martyr of the Hayraarket Riot, Lyman J. Gage, president • 
of the First National Bank (who was a wealthy man, but noble, 
and v/ith a deep sympathy for the poor). There was also Gen¬ 
eral M. M. Trumbull, who wrote the amendment to the constitu¬ 
tion freeing the Negro slaves. Among the most faithful, there 
were many young men of 16 or 17, who were fervent about Kant 
and Darwin. And the group also included a great many work¬ 
ingmen. All political views were represented, although no 
conservatives participated actively in the management. (77© 
met at the same time as the church service.) All subjects 
were discussed: astronomy, biology, tariffs, philosophy and 
municipal government. 


Non-conformists in Politics 


The Socialist Party 


Socialist Party Forums as such hardly existed, but Mr. Stedman, 
one of the founders of the party, is well able to comment on its early 
educational v?ork: 

When the Socialist Party had its early headquarters 
at Washington and Wells, it had one room open all hours 
of the day and night. (This was called "Section Sidewalk" 
in derision of the Socialist Labor Party, which called its 
branches, "Sections.") Every man who landed in town and 




i ... . . 


i.'C -jsshisoo rfoiri---- ro\ . o . , rjo j: >■ xtsin^io eeii .. 1 3 *t2‘ 4 go 

•’ >•■>'- : ■ - 
■ ' . • .; r 

. • - 
■ ■ • ■ ' ■ “ r - " - • r." 5 

. : ' rs-y .. f:»«. 'x*.j:v > 


:vr;# 
ni ac 


PC frj 

'■ 


• t * . .•- . v ' ' • ' ’ ■ VCr ? 

■ - - oi ft; - Vi ■ '• ; %■' 

v • * • ''' ’ - 

2•>/:.. :j? I- y - l no <-/ .0 --t; 

r : 1 ’ - ' ; fj 2 ' ■ 

' ’ ‘ : ’ T. ' ' ' 1 ' ' ' ’■ ’’ ’ 

ou/.o oxft) 


' • 1 flUrXC I 

| 

i'V 

tt . . •• 


••■ft r 



.. .. , .. . . 5 3 *i**xrr 


. : H' • • : '~r ■ '• • • *' - •• ■ 

' • f - R'■ • - . ' ■■■ -'■ 

^ \ \ f is : 1 

. . ... ■ ■ - . . j 

5 r ■ r ■ ' ■ : 


. . ■ • • « S; ■' ■ • 

' ' ■ : viiB£ ; ; •' 'i '■ ■ ■ 

.’ = • • * ■ : • • : 


o l ■ - ; i :: fi auti* i ■ ' 

0 : -54 : f 

. ■; - : i\ ..vx . , 4 .• . 

. <• 5" •*. in j' ;■ J • ' ** 

. . .. nt/ic? ;■ ■ ' . • 

• '. . : ■ . ■. 

\j"t Jell vco^'E 3; f T 

lvU 

'XUMibofc ,1' Jud rx-j •{!>,!* •• ^^““^TVprinol 

rid CosiXa ? ■ ■ . 

: 3!iov I ,\rro. 

■ ■ '• . .:•••;• M C ' ts3*» f; ! • 

» - t ■ i& ' ’ , R . . h 7 .■ ' 

;-V 

• •• : • arfJ 0 co xi2 

- sv.i-.T.ca . 1 $: 

• - Jr. ‘ i ,w ; x•. V.' ?: 

. ..1 ; i !./•/„• vsi/:", '• f \. .. . 

•' 1 ? -.i : r- ^ 

.l’ l , . rj”! . - .•• 


~ ;X • 

ocfjt 






35 


wanted to talk cane there. Every crank and anti-crank 
would cone to speak whenever he felt like - much as at 
the Bug Club today. There was no admission - just a 
collection plate at tho entrance. 


Henry George Clubs 


Attracting large audiences of single tax advocates among the 
more genteel folk, Henry George Clubs were organized in the early 1900’s 
in both Loop end neighborhoods. Lectures were delivered by liberal and 
free-thinking orators, as well as by Single Tax disciples of Henry George. 
Whatever the topic, however, - the club sponsors could generally manage 
in the discussion period to show that it too (like all else) was in some 
way related to the Single Tax. 


The Anarchists and the Social Science Club 


In the early 1900’s some of the "Anthropups” and others who 
attended their 3 o'clock meeting in the Masonic Temple (later called the 
Capitol Building) would, after the session had adjourned, continue the 
discussion informally at Thompson’s restaurant; then at 8 P.M. they would 
re-open forum proceedings in the same building this time under Anarchist 
auspices. The Anarchist forum was the Social Science Club; the story 
of its founding and its point of view is told in the Anarchist newspaper. 
Free Society : 

Tftnm/v Goldman’s vigorous campaign in behalf of freedom has 
brought into existence the Social Science Club, which meets every Sunday, 
2 P.M. at Hall 913, Masonic Temple. 

The principal object of the Club is to gather the scattered 
fragments of the American liberals who singly have been unable or dis¬ 
inclined to do very much towards spreading the truths they feci, and 
from the amount of interest manifested in the first meeting, the future 
prospects of tho Club are very encouraging. 

The ablest representatives of all progressive ideas will be giv¬ 
en opportunities to lay their grievances before us, we reserving the 
right to disagreo with them, and that in as plain, emphatic and forceful 



Ursxo-Uns bn jUujio v.*:i *ot^n ->ar.o JilrJ o* bozc.r* 
■ - aateeteba od unit &i&dT . ^ : •'«•••• dpSQ 

■■: i-.- 


acfxxIO osic^C- ’finoH 


ori^ aitojsiB stojr.covjij? xc l ©Ivrxia “io sooiiylJbrfl’ o^yxcf ,.uij oml j k 
B f OOQl^’zS mo orfl ni hosin-.^o 0101 ? etitfXO o^ioe-E ,3tXo1 looSno^ -** 10 ® 

f>c« Xrrcorfll ^<f fm:ivil^ aiow ao*xwtobJ « a.Socrfciocf rkion i»r. qwi Jo5 fli 
.oyicstj v*xnaH io eaXqioeiJb xoT oX$ni2 \d an Ilov-r sr t ,r<olcio ^irtaio#«jOira 

*' - *■*-' ■•'-• * 0I s c ■ •'•■' 11 ■ •'■'• 
jzeros lb *d* m 
.xbT 911/113 ari* ol i>9^Bla*s >t*w 


duXO dortaioe JLoloc-3 •-• 1 to alBirloxrjxA. orfT 


orte eieriio bar "eqtrqoirflnA" orfi to onoe a’0091 U";o a/i ni 
o l? oaXJteo -lelnX) oIctuI cinoe-K o:. ni sioolo’o S si© 7 x» violin 

yxxnilnoo .fianwcf, 1 a JE>.*vri ,dol«89a aril soj/fri ,Mr/ow (a«i: X 

bluov v'nii ,u,«c 8 t* no :; ilaaTiraltST a'noaqnfon'T Ir. Ylianrsolni aoiesxraalB 
tei.ioienA rtofixur or.xil six - &it tliiri &ana arii. hi uniboo ooiq tunol noqo-on 
^oie edl jcfr/XC unci lai/IcnarrA artT ^oalqwa 

,'toqBqawan Jeidowafc ©rfl ai bjol. si weiv/to laioq ail to ^ibnuol *1X lo 

. 

end jaoijooil 1c llfvlsd ni ngi.«qtt£t; aiKrcoalv s’nrm&XoO xysraSI 
c ^.-m 4 us? r\ ,v-b a Soar. do to t cfc/XO aoaoio2 X.-to? cxil eonoiaixo « :■:' ai In- .yo-tcf 

oXnoaoM ^16 XI/iH 1 b .M,9 S 

Jbtfcailisoa aril £0 o*1J " ? loanee leqloaiiq erfT 

-8 iO n.> f/Bru; yv-.> ri ;1 :~ to; a T^x jdi C xtsoinonA aril "io c 

firm ,£a»i ^odl iftinl ©xji aniJtaa'iqe ..atoowol down ipxar / • 
o'ixf-trr exit ,'^niljyr.: le'xiO adl ni JiolBo'iiruu.' leyaalrri Io anrwrx’v.odl noil 

♦Vii ox;o xnsv ox« <frfID odl to aloaqaotq 

-vl^ ocf £.! tc lo’ 8©v n Jaold/? oriT 

odi Sainom SW ,«ir oiolod edon/xve.i'is ilaril ^ei ol eoiliru/lioqqe no 
Xwlooiol btu>- oiS'idqzvj ,atrdq ?.■ di l/vdl.-Xm . rlliw oot^cbJE^ ol id^ia 








36 


language as wc chooso to imply*. Discussion vdll be as free as political 
promises at election time* 

It is proposed that the members descend occasionally from 
their sublime philosophical heights and meet in social tete a tete with 
song, dance, ice-cream, etc., thereby cultivating both sides of their 
natures in about equal proportion. 

For some years back, American comrades have not been as active 
in the propaganda as they might, the work devolving mainly upon the for¬ 
eign element, thereby necessarily confining it largely to the continent¬ 
al languages. In thoir work among Americans, they have had to meet a 
certain amount of race prejudice, as well as the difficulty of expression 
in the English language, requiring a considerably greater expenditure of 
energy to perform a given quantity of work than were it done by natives. 

These obstacles are, however, fast disappearing, first, be¬ 
cause of the increasing number of foreigners who arc mastering the lang¬ 
uage, and secondly, becauso of the increasing number of Americans who 
are mastering economic and political science. 

This group aspires, with the aid of our foreign-born comrades, 
to push the educational work among the English speaking races and in¬ 
vites all who would see the flame of liberty blaze from the English 
tongue to assist us in our endeavor.* 


Forums of the I, W. W. 


Since its formation in this city in 1905 the Industrial Work- 
ers of the World has continually conducted its open-air soap box meetings 
and its indoor "propaganda meetings." The spirit of these early meetings 
is indicated by this pross notice: 

Wo keep pounding the gospel of the I»W, W. into the 
workers and they seem to like it. for our meetings 
are well attended every Friday, and we are taking in 
on the average of four members per meeting. . .** 

* "Social Science Club," from Free Society , V(May 28, 1899). ** Daily 

People , January 17, 1906 






as 


jfcaljjloq m “®»1 •: oi iwrsflja. •xxqni :■ oeoo/io mr 

* '•■ i t a * as - J la «q 

noil tcXXanotSAoooJteoMaV-etaptfi* - • •* ** 

dir • ; • Udtm tlodi 

to 89.028 •.,«4ft**0- ? e©2 > ,eoa«i> cl^Ot 

• • yitp 4J-fpd'/s it2 aatu/J&n 

. ;.7-a 86 aaad‘.#oa avarf aatowoo* • C 9m °8 ’*<>* 

\ «6, afcaas^qoiq «iii al 

■ ■ ; ■ . . •" ' TO , ' 

' , ir'^w ti odd a l . ..£•-• 

ftoiaso■ 2.'o. to :•. ...... ;■ ao ',• • J V oor i. to *iw5aa nlziioo 

tc. -o-ti;':- ji>«o qx« . ‘ '* M al 

alipt .; • ' • \ie R metioq p* t&lftit'O 

-otf .ia-ix; jgqii.soqqatfiiJ* . ' eoX©6*ttfo j^oxfT 

at on 2 odi to asx/co 

orfw yflsalt iuA.'' "c:• "Lm . . " :: ostrrood; ,xXbnc «!3Atf 

. . .. imorroas iuri*sbt%m oi* 

• ' ' ■ ■ ! ; . . . ' " 

.aoVriraoD aiod-a^irfot tm to. Viva : ,•' d \ tn r , .oiiqa.r qi/ois a::'? 

<■. »• 26 .. i Jii* riaaq o* 

••' XXa 88* It 

*n '•;•• yi:.-...'ixi ac * 82 ao£ o* 80$ 


.: V, i-T .. I -. ':o amino 1 ? 

** K r 

-at«oT La2it.«#fll. VH* 20< 1 ,. >fc*.2o, ettii pi noiiteanot a*2 oo. J2 

• 8Siti*993i xod qro . ? ; • ■ '.'• ••’. *. £ p .a,v bln .0 to ais 

r ...»; ran 98MI > i •'..;‘.r:; r-' '! I < •>: v: iq ,f '%dctdl 8*2 2wtft 

' 

.0,-'. . .# <-l. « • '• ■ ' .■: b:^x ; " 

^ • ••.; >fi ■ - notliow 

al r Bl£ ■:■■'. f - 'CI-J v. Wh*iO**.n iiytT* 316 

*♦. •••• «sn2<i-o8ja iqq a^o’iovfi or!* no 

'■ • • , )3 sot 1 ? moit di/ID oonoioS Ioioo3 B • 

. >8091 ,VI. v/:.?irrxcV . elcroe** 








37 


Outdoor programs systematically planned at strategic places, were also 
recruiting sessions although a forum-like techniquo was used. 

In more recent years the I, W. W. forums have been broadly 
educational. In the absence of adequate agitators to drive home the 
"gospel" of industrical unionism, ecclectic programs aro arranged. The 
saving hope of the sponsors is that in every discussion period, regard¬ 
less of the subject scheduled, the I. 7?. Yf. point of view may be infor¬ 
mally presented. 


Non-conformists in Morals and Folkways 

The Bohemians 


In the synopsis of this section, bohemians were defined as 
"non-conformists in folkways and mores,” people who disavow both the 
routine and the sacred of the society around them. Conscientiously and 
with flourish, they do not merely those things which the respectable do 
do, and conceal. Generally they nay be said to be radicals, but M their 
Socialism is more academic than barricadic” (as Albert Parry puts it in 
Garrets and Pretenders). They are enslaved to nothing but their own 
"emancipation" which in many cases has but one aspect; the sexual. 

This is an easy emancipation, a sort of common denominator for those who 
want to be free and creative without too much effort. It is, moreover, 
what interest the "substantial citizens" who constitute the paying guests 
at their forums. In short, they arc largely an "intellectual proleta¬ 
riat" characterized by their freedom from convention, their artistic 
taste and aspirations. 

> 

In the Chicago of 15 to 25 years ago, the bohemians concentrat¬ 
ed in two areas of the city: first the 57th Street Art Colony, and then 
the near north side. The former location was convenient for its close¬ 
ness to the city*s intellectual center, the University of Chicago, to 
the lakeshore, and to, transportation lines. Here lived intellectuals, 
literati and artists, many of whom are today well-known. They met on 
57th Street or in the Loop in their early discussion groups, like the 
Vagabonds, the Questioners, the Fabian Club, the Cheese Box, and those 
continuous informal gab sessions which characterized Schlogl f s restau¬ 
rant. 



oeXn 01 ow 


.boo .'Iq 

,1)331/ 8X1W 


©i^JaUs 3 ~ beaanlq xHaottM*3«'& eo/rxsoiq lOObJtfO 
oupimiooJ o^ii-mrrot j* dyjoAtla eaolaoes ^nlalinoai 


vibsoid mtf ov^rf snunot ? * .1 i'rlwfc *n«»<w oiom ill 

oviiJb OJ o#W«i»3 to oonoads *fii nl 

oxIT JroYr-"iir oir. aamigoiq ©iJooXooo t »Biu<jXaii* X/sii toubat to i '•'•:.«'••-• 
noaib Yisvo rti Jc-'W si sioSqoqa - '■'• '-> l - 

• ocf ma Vfoiv to Jwloq .V .1 ,di 

’■ 


gy.rotlo'r bi.js ?IbioM n l e *s inolgoo -Ks!: 
en.iinofloS oxiT . ." 


boaitob oiow : ait»imorfod. t fioWOoe airfJ to aiaq i ttl 

arij x'+orf wovoaib oiiw ©Xqooq 11 t eoioc bn'- a\yvwaL£ct a 1 a Jairrio-xtoo-noft 
bn.e v'laxxoi^noiosnoO .rorli bnx/oi.c Y^iooa oiU to bji on3 orfJ bar onl^x/oi 
ob oIcfniooq' 30 i orLi dol/i 1 * a&ni/tt oeorii yXoi;e Jon o,x x°dt ,dal’woIz t .31’. 
tJ M ; 1« Jirf t aX*oib«l or; oS bUa v~.: Y 
fli + i ?J;rq YiifiY iiodXA as.) M oibfioiii f 'd ar;»'i ©irK.i/\nc vx •.. 

liarfJ Jtfd Tjitdtoa oJ bov»Iea« avr^**!? .(siobnsJ - 

. . 

Of^w oeoi f J lot 10Jo; irionvb iio^noo'ro' Ji ■: . ; '• j *-■• 

• Jx/oxWiw'ovXJBoio bno ooit *"* w 

kiaair wIygq oriJ oJnliJanoo orfv; 11 anoxia io ‘ r -' •'- 

l 

oiioiJx"' •xlettt ,aoJtJiHmioo aoit nobs . ■ ■ 

. . 


tarfod aiij ,o^cf 8 'xsqy 2S oJ 51 to o&solxiO oaJ al 
nonJ boa ,^»loO JiA JopijS rfJVS ariJ 4 ati\ ix*t* *it to .- -'vJ n* .; • 
-oboXo all lot J/toinevaoo aaw xtoiJcooX nomiot sri? •sbis x'.Jioa i 

oJ .o^ao-MO to YviaiYvinU «W t iaJa*o Xni/JooIlqJni e J Y,olo 9rfJ o# es^n 
aXoirtoaXXaJni bevii si*H .aaaiX qoiJs.tioi :. . 

no Joe Y©riT *awal“XXft» Y^botf om trc.v v 

o tU oolil ,aai/o'(3 aclzaisozib yXi»o iloxiJ nx qbol sn.r ni io J3oU8 dJTd 

ol ‘ - . 

-xieiaoi aUsoXdoS basiisJo^xaiio ilolriw saoieoee Ijscnotxii 

.Jxuji 





38 


The near north side area, known as Towertown, became a bohemian 
community a short time before the war. The district is one where the 
richest residences were formerly located. These have been turned into 
rooming houses, and their garrets, basements, and garages are choice 
studios. Low rentals and convenient location make them desirable as 
homes for the bohemians. Thus - and it will be interesting to remember 
this later - the bohemian area is, in the ecological set-up between the 
Gold Coast and the slums, a sort of buffer group. Moreover it is bor¬ 
dered on one side by the "main stem" of the intellectual hobo - North 
Clark Street, 

It is about 1913 that Chicago bohemianism began. Discussion 
is the bohemian's "neat." Discussion groups and clubs are indigeneous 
to "bohemia." There have been so many of these that cannot even be 
named, much less definitely distinguished as forum or non-forum. There 
were perhaps no forums, pure and simple, for informality and "atmosphere" 
defied and modified, cut and dried procedures of any sort. 


Hulda Potter Loomis's Open Forum 

Probably the earliest attempt at bohemianism in forums was the 
Open Forum of Hulda Potter Loomis. One cannot find out precisely when 
the Open Forum began. One knows only that some time after the Anarchist 
Sooial Science Club stopped meeting at the Masonic Temple on Sunday 
evenings. Miss Loomis, a genial lady who had attended the Anarchist lec¬ 
tures as well as those of the Anthropological Society, opened her own 
series. Miss Loomis was a fortune teller by profession. In her earlier 
years she claimed to be a "philosophical anarchist" although the local 
anarchists did not recognize her as one of their own. In her later years, 
she was a Theosophist. She is best remembered, however, for her decla¬ 
rations of sexual emancipation - public rocitals wherein words were not 
minced nor gory details omitted. Her forum was attended by the local 
radical fringe, the hoboes and bohemians; in short, the prototype of 
the modorn "forum man." 

The Dill Pickle 

It is said by some that the Dill Pickle - the most fortunate 
and famous of bohemian forum resorts - was inspired by the Open Forum, 
that Jack Jones, its founder, observing Hulda Potter Loomis's success, 
decided that forums could make money. There are at least a dozen other 
stories about the formation of the Dill Pickle, which have now become 





HfoJ o en09»<f ,AWofae"oT b- ; ;:woai,-,u^'- efcia'.&fxon .ksoxi 
aft r.is -v ano.al JoJtrtftifi «dT .ijs* Bri#’'oiotwf wiiJ; Merfe 
•sif ovr’ osoa? ^copl vX-io.r^ 

. inoooato,s?to/’;s to Aoe ,888uorf 

a- oX<Jmi*o£ r. • . atfo® noi>#$oX Ja»lo*W&9 - ' •- '• 

i 0 to«* 0 T- 0 * yil*ara*Jil «f XXhr #1 to - atfrfT ^a?fpoxio<f ori* io.I e - 



olxJa.#ijdi "C9I JnotfB al o. 

■ ajyo 8 «esftei cnn 0 <ftfXo to sqitfOT 3 jxoiaai/oaKE ".Sam" 8 'nalxudod otit at 
o > fi.f>v 9 Jofisso i 05 ?.!.' i. •'.. jo os no sd wwil.'WOd^ ,J!*^ 

• ' -*nurxo:-a< rr '. "•'• :i»rf r ' j v. :: i j siv . o " «- sr ~-' f 

B oit&rfa 30 fliiB w bn~ '&lL*mo<tai tot ,oXqin ;■ to ,emr:c - on bqsrf'ioq «i®w 

♦rf-xoa Tfl* to 8 ®*UfX)©P 0 iq bsiib hna. •' baa bal'iab 


: •T-xn^'n^uC a ! cino.o'1-' r gi'.-ft*! nblnll 

t ff. f torio‘1 ni fflBififlXcredpd'ifB j jr.:uct 4 b.*b<jH‘xb 9 to ; xXc?Atfor?. 

...= ■• - • - ' ■’■ 

.... . ! '.••.’ >:£?* • niO^ . -.a&fBtf flttn'oT: i.sqO odt 

' , 

. 

nwc lod'fioaoqo. t ^^oo3 X~oi£.qXoQ.Q”id<inA‘ oriX to an : XXu#- 'm. boijtS 

loxlisa-al •noieeo.'ioiq ■< indio t m ’ sow eiapaJ s'eilf .aoiios 

. . ' • t ., ■ 

T-Cii © 21 x 13000*1 Jon bib tr . 

-jsIodL . jc *xot ,iovowofl jbenadmOiV/n ieotf si orf 2 ♦^ei/iqosoaflT s a. 1 :''-' 6 *'a 
ion oiow Bfrcow nUnorfw aXsiioon oildira - noii£qior.nai& xax/xob to anoiJB*! 
iaooi o fa -ijcf batoton a.w cuno'i .bo^jlno elinJob V«>S ‘ion 

to oq^ioJoiq orlj t iioria ni jsoftiiBodptf i>nn sooj 4. i 

- ‘ . - '■■■' t! - 

.-■•••;■ ? • ■. oix-rt xx h -j? 

©Jjsm/i'xot iso* orfi -= XIxS oni t~ti3 o.tjos \q' bias ei Jl 

jiiuno'f noqO orii \;d toxiqani er,vi - eJnoao j mxnoi iiisitseriod' to ar/om. r * ben 
t 5330ons ^‘ax.uooJ -xaiio*! fxbXirH ^niviaecio ^-toto/ot eJX ^conoL iadX 

16.110 n?sob s isfiol i.-- qxs sioriT •■^onom ©aL'c blnoo eraxrxot Jzrts beb'oob 
oiiioood won ovftd xfolrlw .oXaloi'X XXiC orii to noiijsnrxol oni inodo aolno^a 






39 


legend., and half of then perhaps wero circulated by the founder hinself. 
The nost likely of these seems to be the following: the Radical Book 
Shop at 8175 North Clark Street was run by a blind Anarchist woman, Mrs. 
Udell, and was Chicago's informal radical center. Around 1915 the 
Udells ;openod their home on Sunday evenings to those "comrades," "fel¬ 
low-workers," and "friends" who wished to participate in discussions of 
current problems, in art, politics and almost every other field. These 
gatherings were to Chicago what the Liberal Club was to Greenv7ich Vil¬ 
lage in New York. Before long, the numbers who came exceeded the accom¬ 
modations of the Udell home. Jack Jones, one of the participators, then 
agreed to open a more public meeting place better to continue the Sun¬ 
day evening meetings. Ho had been an active and effective union nan, and 
was one of the near-pioneers of the I. W. W. His motives were simple and 
idealistic. After three or four months' meeting in an old barn, the 
cheapest, nost convenient place he could find was the dilapidated hall 
whose formal address is 858 North State Street. In history it shall 
forever be known however, as it was in its own day, as "Thru the Hole 
in the Wall, Down Tooker Alloy to the Green Li to Over the Orange Door," 
and parenthetcially, "Step high. Stoop low, leave your dignity outside!" 

The Dill Pickle started out, then, as a more or less serious 
labor forum. Guest speakers addressed a biased but sincere audience, 
and learned to take it on the chin. The original admission fee was low, 
and the original audience was composed of intellectual radicals and rad¬ 
ical intellectuals who were at least as familiar with 3ug House Square 
as they were with any salon. 

Then came prohibition, and the Whoopee era, and perhaps Ben 
Reitman, which added up to the unexpected popularity and monetary success 
of the Dill. Jack Jones found it far more creative to cater to the night 
club element out on a slumming tour with bottles of gin on their hips 
or cash for same in their pockets. They were the paying guests at 99^ 
per. The dingy alley, the dark entrance, the unwashed proprietor (Jack 
Jones cultivated his hair and his untidiness deliberately as part of the 
atmosphere-producing stunt), bootleg gin, and the mad artists (or reason¬ 
ably exact facsimiles of same) were for the most part, what they paid 
for, A lecture and discussion were thrown in at no extra cost. As bo¬ 
hemia and her forums became commercialized, a double standard of atten¬ 
dance set in - the passive and the active, the Phillistine and the bohe¬ 
mian, and the former frequently outnumbered the latter. 

Some of Jack Jones' confreres and star performers envied his 
success; they yearned to satisfy the starving-poet-in-the-garret com¬ 
plex with which the Dill's fans seemed to have been .afflicted. So they 


I 



. ‘A • t/‘ 

£w'. 

i r; 07 ; ^ "■ 


;j I ■ 

( 

* r • 

-u' • . 

*J 0 ,3 0 1 : 


4 4 

4 j;. 7 O -.»• 

. ■ 

4- • 9 • 

1 »• 

» 

(xirr fisw * }, i 

V '•< 


# 


j 

« ^ A • 4 *• V* 

::£ 

; -4 # r •* f> /' • (;• 

w m 

0" 

r* ♦.. f\ 
° 1 

■ ■ V i \ . -i/i 'J.K- 



I • 




li 


« r 


‘ 0 ,.' 1 : • V. I 

■: a 

. f 

• • 


H i 


*. -« Wi • 


/.►3 v c; r 


•• 


|V f 




« 




? 

Vtr-WT 

- I ' 




0 


i 

• ■ v 


I 

V. A 


• afcqioJtt*x , 

. ■•. w ‘ ' 

.•;>? ' \i oi «- • •Ijtl.f' 

: ,• • ■■ ■. • 

0 1 - 1 C* * i A • t ^ 

v f Tvj}Otf 


•» * 

< ft 111 •*. ,4*7 •• ) » 

.. . ». --- 


• : • . jwo .• *; u *' - 

Hu_ *.l 


<•» <v / * 


* r .; 


7. • 
•y'.A 


•» .• .. • 


»-4 .4* 

i- . * 


f rr • » 

*.* . • ) I • * • 


» 


v *• • 

iy , 




•% r 

. V 


* 




* ' 


crtoi^i ,<j 

. v. ;-:o/a./ 

'■ - 

w i t * :-Vr: 

IU ' U 

if,- •• t ' " s« r ’ ■» f 

. 5 . i,. \ it* ' *• ■* “* J ’ % Ak 

^rrn 


O'J -; •■; 


T, .J-.Vi, 


l V •- 


. ; ,Wv “ 

. r »; i\ L : > 


3i .v', a 


V 4 


• t 

' • 

f sioqo 


. l 

. * 

J U v _ • < l 

2 no *!Vw.: 

h: • aa 


V 


.. 

• < 


!•« {• 7 C, .O ' » ' 

* 

• / ; ' f 


T 

> *. 


*■ 


i» Hj ; . 


^Vw ; 




ni 

• % 


• . •< 




. « 




• • i 

r ,. r, 4*i 


* ' *' ■' 


iJv- 

■ - ■ i ■' 

i 9C7 ‘X&2 

iq J • •• : - 

<riS ^-3 si ^ l^cl e« 0 riw 


.* A | s' * • \ , *• *•’ * 


f rtf) s r 

l • • 


• .* « •< • • 


‘ i>v 


r, \ ( »r> 

•» r M — 

r\ . _f 


■ 


<! -y ; , ? .v 1 v- :• •! 


v -» 

. 

.» f 
«* ># 


v ! '• «. i r>} 


• % •» 


. 

• % 

« • • 

) %<: oi: :«i 



vw 5 '■ •» y 



. * 


« t . ; 


1 
: 


*-Vv o. <•“ 

!i r 

t 


Pf 

> - i 


.■‘•'I 


•’ « 






viQ^gi r ’" t 

i..O. fl.* 

tv-o^r bar, 


•-i 


; * 


,» 

•• 


^' * •»'* 


T , 
v A 








f % 

I • 


• IfWl 


* W W'. A V 


v 






^ • 




. . . ■ ■• " ‘ I ' • 


TC 


% 1 * -• 

- '-r-iU. 

4 •. 




/ a o r 1 f . 

4 


• • 
«c • 


ibzr L 


1 


.• i if O ) 


\'i • ■ • 




I>w t 


•<.* 


o.-1 

# • * •' f • * 




: * I’ « 

|f-' -4. 

? ? f r 


Vi;'« ;i5jLiV 01 


... ^ V_ •) ( ‘ fm V * M*, 


sJ + 


U 


fj 4< 


1 

▲ -• v 


v.'i'i 5 < •. 2 


;.. V \T. •- . .• 

:c •■ . fc ■ • / • ••■. ••• ■ '■ . 


V ^ 


» 


• t . 


- * .... ■ 

v va> 


. rjr'. 
< •> *. * 


'• t 


I * 


• ' ■' •' • * • ^ . 


r. I ; ' . 4 /• ./ 0 "» " *" 4 


-> ? * 


:wj: 3 aoi 

. *"> v > *'• 

Jxro in-'n o 


^ 4 


v /*; 


. ^ 




» T 




- 1 # • K 


• • 
> 


• r 

1* •. 'V P I 

• »*' l * • 


i.* - 

•• • 

• ■ 
: 


• r * ^ } v ' 

Kravlomatfllol) «&9 a4M« ct airf I U" 

) ; s r-1 


jiff £) 






• • ■: ■• . . :,. , J; • . : ■ : : 


for 


; :•• ,i ' •. i 8 0 ,^*t w 


1 * 


* S ► : 4 *. T J ' r. 

. , s •» ■, C, ' * Y V t ? 1 • 1 M 

- 


n 


vru'*^ + 

, ; iti. 

% • 






* a 




•• 


• *\ 


•• 


*1 . V< »• . -W A 




. .j . 


*•< 

. 


ocr. ^X) 

# 


y. -■ 

X.A < . 


r • • 

. v ». : 

i’p 

« 




;> v. 1 , . >q J. 


il 










• i 


*.•*-r 

V - * 


< 


/• 4 
? 7.i * 




;> ^ 
U 1 


' * 


y . f 


v j 

l 


r i 


• % 




\9iii 

■ ;• •• 


» c>n 

« 

.. r • 4 


. 2 


40 


found, their own barns and cellars on the near north side, and from 1919 
to the repeal of prohibition bohemian ’’forums 1 ' sprang up profusely. 

Some of these forums v<ere dives, first and foremost; others 
included amateur experimental theaters; still others (liko the well 
knov/n Grey Cottage) were simply tea rooms whore one could sit and talk 
uninterruptedly. 

An alphabetical list of nr-nos and addresses (whenever addresses 
are available) of bohemian forums within the last two decados serves more 
than a cataloguing function, for these nanos aro picturosque ones which 
imply the "atmosphere” of the groups they represent; and their addresses 
indicate their concentration in one small area. The most popular lo¬ 
cation is Rush Street within an east-west radius of a block. 

The north-south range is four blocks: 

Art Colony 

12^ West Delaware Place 
Blue Fish 

1004 North Rush 
Blue Goose Club 
Coal Scuttlo 
Copper Kettle 
Dill Pickle 

858 North State Street 
House of Blazes 
House of Correction 
883 Rush 
Grey Cottage 
Phalanstery 
915 Rush 
Seven Arts Club 
Rush and Grand 
153 East Erie 
75 Walton Place 
55 East Superior 
437 Rush (Riccardo‘s Restaurant) 

Wind Blew Inn 

Vital statistics about any of these are, however, non-existent* Neither 
epitaph nor coroner's report is left to posterity. We know only that 
none except the Seven Arts Club survived for any length of time. Leases 
were not made, or made only to bo broken; mobility and turnover were 
great. At any rate, the Dill's supremacy was never seriously challenged. 

i The present writer requested an accurate history of these efforts from 



em n.oi't Hr- % &bl* ttHoc i an ods tto amXXoo M ssn'cT .r.r bmrt 

Bior ■ KttttXO* JWH3 ***** ,®avtf. 01 J* •»" - ' . 

XXo- r Ho 03 (H) rxwtfo XXiie i*ia*Jiod* L tin* . o^Xa/il 

^.4 > jr jis filxroa uno oiorfvr acooi s *3 ^XqrUe oiow (s^.JJoO \*n3 a^o®i 
3LLT.J an: .oJqjmaJciasf 

soasoiHxo iov >„£>&?) Boaaoi&H liar aotn-ri lo Jail X ;oH nA 

oion eortoe aoHoo ■■ on* iwl «tt ****** eron-l ^In^lo, to **"■*““ •*} 
rfn tif* eofio ojm 9 omJoiq on aca.**>n oaotf* ** c - ,noxJociui ^nlif^o . * 

.; Lf • :•?•' “ COi ir.tfr&oa-JO **°d* ***** 

.rioola i 1c ex/llsi Jea^Ja/ro on nixUH ■oj'iiZ sisuR et aolioo 

ia-tooli ix/cl ai asfl'i r_r*uoe~ri*lOII orfT 


■^xioIcO JlA 

oa'.X*! otiittlod *8 a* fSI 

-iax\ ox/Xa • 
daitf dJicti $OQX 
o'xrXO 93^oC ouXE 
oXJJifo2 X-ioO 
9XJJo2 i jccqoO 

ofstei^ xna . 
JosiJS oJriS rli’icM 858 

SOirlS 1c 38 X/cH 
noitoonoO lo oaxioH 
rlaaH 588 

O^Sj-JeO ^Olv 
•^loJaonl^ri^ 

rlt.jR 3X€ 
cfxrXO eJiA novo2 
btivtx) bao lissjft 
oiiS J 8.0.2 S6X 
oor.I'i a. : L ^ 3V 

xuxl w© 15 J>niW 








lorfiioH •JnoJeixo-.iCi: ,iovov»od t ein oaoiiJ 1c X0 jr ‘- Suods, eottuliaie LnJlV 
vino wcxot or .vJiiojao >J ai Jioqoi a'lonoioo ion dqaJlqa 

3i>«x»i .9aiJ to rfJ^noX ^n. • ict Hvivwa cfx/XO siiA turn or!.t Jqooxo ofioa 
oio’;' i'vc.toJ L»ii Yiilitfoci j/sooiOKf ocf oJ ’^Xn oX ■. ic ,..-oo! Joxi ©ioa 

3 -'.T ^o/«oiqxr8 a'XXiCI oi «-'' ; v > '• ^A 

moil siiolto oaodd 1c ^cisld ei&zuoor. xus Jbojeox/poi loiiiw Jnoaoiq *dT * 




41 


•Footnote Cont’d. 

one of the "old-timers" who had been associated with several near north 
side forums. His roply is interesting, not only for the facts he fails 
to give, but for his style, which is clearly reminiscent of the backr 
ground which he cannot accurately reconstruct: 

DATS LESS DATA, OR REMINISCENCES OF "BOHEMIAN 
FORUMS" IN CHICAGO 

Loander swan the Hellespont on the night of October 
12, 234 B. C. at 9:30. This bit of misinformation has 
no connection with the above subject, except that the 
date I give is as reliable as any date in the history of 
the hobohenian 'nd nearbehenion foruns of Chicago* fte 
know that the aquatic Greek had a ronantic motive, he 
being young and foolish, but there the resenblance to the 
impresarios of the forun business in Chicago stops - these 
bozos were mostly fools, but they were practical enough to 
be unronantic lovers of nickels. 

Amorous some of the tramps .and ox-tramps who fathered 
foruns in Chicago certainly were, some to the point of 
lechery, but none that I knovr of ever swam the Chicago 
River to get to a Helen; there was no need — the dumps 
they maintained in drxrp cellars drew females as flies are 
drawn to molasses, and a forun proprietor with an extreme 
case of testicular excitation had only to indicate his 
condition to one of these predecessors of the tavern 
bitches of the present day. However, long years on the 
bun rnd in jail had done for these mostly old tramps, and 
a female with vaginal disturbance found out that she r^ould 
have to pick out a Lothario from the audiences on the 
joint. Sex-starved males awaited the nod. and a slattern 
or even a virago with a trace of femininity could be sure 
that her bottle of gin would be duly sucked up to the ac¬ 
companiment of much clack about adult education, free 
speech, and other shibboleths that go good in "foruns." 
Sweet-voiced males made a "meet" with other queers, while 
the girls from the Isle of Lesbos were always sure of a 
"chicken" sans inhibitions by the anesthesia of noon-shine 
whiskey. Many a lass was initiated into the mysteries of 
life in Y. ft.. C.A. do'rn.itories from contact with lesbians 
in the so-callod forums of Chicago, in many of which the 
subject vras frankly inversion rnd perversion disguised as 
a lecture purporting to explain the theories of Freud, 
Havelock Ellis, Marie Stopee rnd Margaret Sanger. 

Bigger end better orgies took place, history informs 
us, in the Elysian Fields, and in the foruns maintained 


,5’JncO oJorxitoo'S* 

r o ''lofaiaoes^ aood Jw Oitw ’'a-jeniJ-Mo' 1 odi "to euo 

v-. • j0 * 8 ’ . . t vloo-x «1R .eotnot •M* 

alfc-’i Arf «tU id fl %3 - W”/ x “ !" 0 * 

■ 

ijQiniaoooa-l v.Xa.t.-ji.-o'- j 


; 1 • • 

OOAOIHO K! •• 

'lodnJoO *© ir- iM *U ac tigqprfM. *#•«£* V x 

• • 

• 3 * i .4 Jqaox^ «wte o;" 4ii • 1 

l0 0j ..t ff* oi • 

< * 

9di 07 oonaltfoaao/i otli mads >ir- , ■ 

■ ■ ■••';. 

bvta&tot C*: 

oyaloO «M *. 

t , T .. : . : :;....a Oft B(VK 4 S-lQi t JflOl ,, •■•':: ° A 

mu tain e* •efr-aai fcv'IX*o*qja ' '■■" ,, ‘- : r '' “• •• : 

■ 

li . , V fft f Jj.iVrf .501' ‘ '• '■■ - ' 

i 

Vif . Bcmrii hr© Yl^acaa 989dS 1 O 1 one.. 3/vn Xixt fl< r 7 . ... • 

6Xb< *X J-riJ Juo Snifcl •sso-Ju/lett Xy<(- -J» ••iiin ■i^bcj. -js 

■ 

. . ■ * -• ' , 

' 

r tnoi/.'r.o .Jlxff'O tssQdsi if 00 ,So doittx kc ‘$flcuait£/*t|G*03 

f ’ ‘ 

■ 

■’ a X*i Mix 

. . 

. 

. 

is doldv to yem &l iO^.dJUiB tc 'am.^ 0 % botteo-Oi ;oti3 at • 

I i ' i ■, ■ 

■ 

' 

SiOfilf:<ini": 7 i any/io'* ni x : rwxii ,exx 





42 


Tnc noDoneminus 


The intelloctual hoboes wo not a negligible section of the 
nucleus of bohemian forums. It is they, plus the artists paid the radical 
fringe, who produce the "atmosphere" that is called "bohemia” and that 
the cash customers buy. 

But the hoboes have also indigeneous forums of their own; 
these, for the most part, r re called "hobo colleges." James Eads How* 
the "Millionaire Hobo," founded the first hobo college in 1907, 


Visitors at the hobo forum cannot be divided generally into 
two classes of performer and spectator as is true of most bohemian groups. 
The people who attend (except for,occasional sightseers) belong to the 
sane universe of discourse. Intellectual horse-play is prevalent, but 

it is not usually directed toward a gallery. 


The forum schedules in their wording, and the general tone 
of the meetings, impress one as a burlesque or formal learning. The 
title "Dr," or "Prof," embarrased many a "modest college student making 
his lecture debut. It is an almost routine tern of recognition 
for five-minute speakers, while the extravagance of "purfessor" is re¬ 
served for the mighty. 


In Chicago there have been perhaps a dozen of these hobo col¬ 
leges, most of which owe thoir origin to Dr. Ben L. Reitnan, "King," 
"Friend," popularizer, and somotimes exploiter of the hobo. That he is 
not the only nan in town who has conducted hobo colleges is true, (Hor- 


♦Footnote Uont’d. 

by the Emperors Galba and Caligula on the isle of Capri, 
but considering the hampering effect exercised by the 
Methodist Board of Temperance and the prohibition agents 
of the tine, the Entreprenuers of the forum business in 
Chicago managed, with the aid of a lecture by an unaware 
professor from one of the universities, a smutty one-act 
"play" or two, some alleged music, and dim lighted dance 
floors, to give diverse bums from the lodging houses and 
oldish maidens the thrill of their lives, price 50^, 
(Vicarious, of course, nothing could take place in the 
joint - but contacts were made, and that is the big idea 
in the ce.sc of a lonesome old maid and a homeless bum,) 
On reading over vilxcit I have written I preceivo that 
I have betrayed a too complete knowledge of the seamy 
side of these forum seances, and that a reader could be 
excused from concluding that all this degradation was 
not exactly foreign to my moral fibre, I do not remem¬ 
ber! • • . • 



gnr’.XTu'JXioaofi DAT 

-,a to «oii39« oHMIV-n S 7 1 £?v"*i"' f to », •'^: 

Iso-tin -M to «*»"•>;• “fV^^sd?'« 9 ai«" »fJ VOT/CT. orfw 

3 Axto "rinarlotf 11 ^aXIc- si c -t oi^u ■- e*xoao33JtfO r.a.oo &iti 

;n IIS' «B»no'! see • • '•** ?J*J ' to': ,o-~ - ; 

: 

■ 

-'V . -«'.i nol Aovras 


. "_■■• d - "■' r - - nl 

“ ! V° *®2 a ••T2; 

C! ’ '• "■ « •• 

wi, h) . tni si i>: ■ ' 


. L ! 7 uoJ Ovtcmioot* 

t iiqA0 to olai s.-: v rr: .^XirelinO !'>--• AtflflC ^ 

Z.j ^ AoaioiaxQ iootto ; : uiioq^ii orii ~;:i*roi;XsftOd 3x/rf 

' 

' i- t- j- ■'• • ! t • '.xi.lO 

«hw3~5>r.-:- ^Jixjns /■ t e oxlJ io aonl . esoioaq 

jS;\'. aosx ... . : Sio's • •‘tovXr. ovi f e*ico£t 

m ^0c ooiv viX liori* r ilinit orli aaobl^u riai.^Xo 
•arl.t ni oorl, ©:Itj .Jxoo -ni:Uc-« .oavisov 1 .ax/oiicolY) 

A 3 ;>i: Id -srii ex 3-'.ri3 ;»fn ,9/xw a*xow «4ocJaoo Ji# - Jxsict 

- 

I 

Y'jjBoe ox(3 to d^l>oXvfOfD( oiaXqnco ooX a aviul I 

• . 

• ‘ 7 . . •; -si' 11. •• ' ' i/I.oo ■■:; A -- oxa 

.«•. Woo 




43 


nan Gaul, John Lughnan, Jack Macbeth, and Dave Tullman arc several other 
leading spirits in this work,) That he is personally responsible for 
the founding of more hobo colleges than any other single nan, end has 
gotten more publicity for the hobo than all men in all places, is also 

true. 


In fact, a complete and -intimate understanding of Chicago hobo 
colleges is impossible without a similar insight into his biography. Wo 
should know more than the formal facts of his ten-year association with 
Emma Goldman, the anarchist lecturer, as her manager and companion; his 
career as a venereal disease doctor and his services in that capacity 
for the City Health Department, Bridewell Jail and the prostitution 
houses of the city*s most powerful vice syndicate; his own imprison¬ 
ment for preaching birth control; his conversion to Christianity, and 
his frequent function as a liason between the underworld and the "World" 
proper. But we have room here only to say that Ben L. Reitman is a 
gentleman whose personality defies scientific categories. He is a nan 
characterized (as he himself likes to say) by a "big soul" which embraces 
with equal fervor, Christ, Salvarsan, Anarchism, Hobodom - and last, but 
not least - all ladies within embracing distance. It is exceeded only 
by a still greater ego which embraces Dr, L. Beitman, and any cause with 
which he may bo momentarily identified. 

Every institution Dr, Ben L. Reitnan founds cannot but be a 
lengthened shadow of the man. Ben L. Reitman is just that kind of a man. 
He is not ascetic for tho Cause. He waxes fat and happy on publicity, 
and from time to tine tho hoboes have had the good fortune, perhaps, to 
be within the orbit of that publicity. For them it has meant: recog¬ 
nition, free lodgings, holiday dinners, and a long series of hobo col¬ 
leges. 


In 1907 Ben jumped off a box car into St. Loui9 and v/as there 
inspired by a speech by "Brother" How. He returned to Chicago evhere he 
gave a spectacular banquet for tho ‘boes at the Windsor-Clifton Hotel, 
and founded on May 31, 1907 the Lecture ■and Sociological Clinic of the 
Brotherhood Welfare Association (the hobo alliance).It was' based on 
How*s idea of education for the wandering homeless man, *nd supported 
largely by gifts. The meeting place of Reitman*s Clinic was Handel Hall; 
its creed "Kindness and no red tape"; its method a lecture by Dr. Roit- 
nan (or a substitute of his choosing), followed by "interesting cases" 
soloctod from the audience and discussion from those who folt so moved. 
The solution offered for hobo problems was an ecclectic conglomeration 
of such items as "An appropriate building with free rent," "more faith 
in men," "that you bo a little more kind." 





1t» 


i 

* f: 07 

7 fl 

■* f ' f * ; >v,« 

-i F • 

a ' 4 

% ' 4 

« « 

• 

rf 


i 

n* 

< r,s ’*1 ■ 

I 1 1* 

r> t 


o r. 

F 


©I 

i.I i jx-+ '• 

■ 'v f ‘« 



38 Ir- 

. r 


q I 

X\ i 4 ‘C 

• 

IS.*- 



•-*0. V 1 -* 

, y. ii. ’ 

• . . 


i *» 


r - 

41 




• / 


-*’ * • i.V 

T VJ i"’ r 


* 

rt *• . « ,■\ T 

9 C fkf ‘ W 


■ ’ ■ 

r r4 - * fl* r » r * \ * 1 .'».*>*• ♦ 4 • 

. . • , * 

, . . . ! -• 0.. '•:• i ’ 

• , . ’^V,tat» ' • lo t r'*rfl '■ -3 . 

• • •( <>ci r» fl iiia -a.-- 

*f • * 

.1.' • •>. ...... 

Xlj. Jf. J .-tea.. ’• . . * • • < * r * 

"«. *> ‘ 

, i \ 1 U r? X, 1 ' * ^ 

~ x • • < * ^ * • *: 1 - . {>f • r * • *- i . i J» •• 

t . . '•■. ; - • ’ 

\:% 0 \ 

- ^ - • • . . :■ 

. up . . 

" , * ■ .,.. .. '•■ */:• . r ■ l W 

- 1 , ' <- • • • ,V ■ i soa 

•% •* ' * • ' * ' 

. • • 4 • * .. . . J 4 - . * ' 

• . # * • r r •• r • , k is 4l . . i > fc 

- *•*'•. v 

» ,■ *-» •. *.'• •.. '• • \ * 


ry ' y 


xr-f > 

i V T - 


1 Up 

•*. V 4 « ».• » J 

ell* xj. 


• \n 


j o;..' 


♦ > / • r / 1 ; 




. • * • 

. » ••• 

. V -- 


wt 


> r 

• • • •#. • €' * ,• 
• • % ••• 

A ar ^ 




J C • • * 


T *Y # 

' 4-.*- * \ •.-•• • 

f * 


•A«. 




O/iOii 


1,0 


* t- 


x -* v 

- C O 


• % j* « ) l 

>A * • *•) 


,oiti n 

oi itfar •.•>(.. c. 

■ •' 


■y i 


in* i'Y 

. £0 

;r^ oH •OrtiT 

i 


A • ■ V * • ! * i. • • 

; , 4 

"X o ,; 

. . , ‘ H VV • 

4 ,*. V.V.A- •• . • 1 

f . . f 

• • . • *: 

< 

- :• '■ 

• * 


f . . f \ * - 


; r ■ . r 

. • •» ■» 


. 


r 


4 k M * t 

Jfk +■ 




jT i 0 X C* 

a .. y 


"* . * 

* - “ • j*.»: ..». .> r 

t ? ; - - t.;r' 

* , - > 

. : ■ ■ - ^ . ■ . " . 

' . ; ; : - 

... ■ ■ - 

•. - .. . r r:l - • • 

ijit • . ‘ - • " •• h 

• * . ■"*.■ * *-.* “• • / •; . *.'• ; ni i t ,,J V .•* 

. k,, **( ■ ■ 0‘-' !. & 1 f , N**. j> . t . - *** ! : *- • 

•** j i * * . . . . . • '"x 'l \ 

X' ■ v* ■ . 

* 

* ' I'r- r t, : . oi 3 i- • - ~ -• 1 \ 

:ri -«iMiv • .••» ' -• ^ do 

nl?i ■ t .ft - 3 ' U ■' i ■ y. •*< »•' 





44 


A year after his entrance into hobo welfare work, Dr# Reitman 
heeded a stronger urge to leave the hobo college and to tour the country 
as business manager for the anarchist lecturer, Emma Goldman# In his 
absence, hobo colleges waxed and waned under the guidance of such tem¬ 
porarily local talent as A. W» Dragstedt ("the hoboes’ Poet laureate"), 
John X. Kelly (who is said to have inserted the "X" in his name to ar* 
void confusion in getting his mail at general delivery windows through¬ 
out America), Mike Walsh (famed for inducing Mary Garden to sing at his 
forum, then naming a hobo college after her; for his presidency of the 
Bug Club; and for his candidacy for democratic senator from Illinois), 
and later, Herman Gaul (who conducted the plebian collogo in tho base¬ 
ment of his rooming house), and David Tullman, talented professional 
soap boxer who supported himself through school by forum and street 
speaking. 

Some of the addresses at which those forums were located are: 

107 South Halsted Street 
711 West Harrison Street, 

133 South Green Street, and 
914 West Washington 31vd* 

Each of these groups was similar to the other, and personnel was almost 
completely overlapping. 

Those individual differences that did exist were conditioned 
largely by the personality and purpose of their sponsors# Dr. Reitman's 
partiality toward the spectacular is to be compared with Jack Macbeth’s 
flaro for scholastic, or with Herman Gaul's pedantic, methodical approach^ 
or with Slim 3rundage's efforts at ballyhoo and burlesque. 

When Ben Reitman again returned to Chicago, he started the 
School of Social Pathology in October 1925. Headquarters at 641 West 
Washington Blvd. were open from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. daily. Its letter¬ 
head explained: 


The Hobo College is a Service Station, - 
Clearing House and Educational Institution for 
Homeless Men. 

A Laboratory for the Study of Unemployment 
and all other factors which tend to make Men 
"Down and Out." 

A Clinic for Students and Social 7/orkers to 
Study Clinical Sociology. 

We specialize in all types of unemployed and 
Social Outcasts, including Tramps, Hoboes, 3ums, 


r . "'I' -'.Y k 

■ :■ " . i V- ' 1 


.li f: ■; ‘ ' OT I‘ ? ' (v; ' ' 

- 

: . r.. . • - , V < / • 

; - : . 

“ - • ■ • '■ . ■ » f ' :; 

■ •' • - .‘ :,. ' ■ V 1 

■ • ■ '• • . • . • • - ’ ■ • . 

„ • . 1 : :i ' . ■ \/ i: ' ' ’! : . / ' . 


■ * '' • • oJiv'^sxotf 









jli- ■ 2U-""' 



- jj 9OK : 



* 

i \ ; - v 


■? oiJ8 

•; V v ; - 



taoalSj erw loxiaoeisq t t 


•V i iV . ; •;? ; : ' 5 ;l,» {iCMJw 


JJtfJIV. ’ l ‘1* • * --I J A .• J - - . 

• •••' • • • : ; : > - • : ; ' ' 

'5 '• Y ’ ’ ' 1 #<i 

, A • • i ’ •' - • • • •' 

, • . •; . • ■ • f- r' -■ ••• ' ' • • >' ■ - ? . o 

' • *• ' * • *■ 





•;n o 3 

;J 

*: 

: ! r*. 

1' jO'”. :! 


iol ! notfutt ‘ ■ vi ' 

• ■ 

: • v; - *■ 

‘ ©i : : 

O. ‘ 

-V .V -;;0 ■ - . " 


bnn bo - 
; ,erx - 


1 . v-' ! : ,*• *■' ’ 




45 


Ex-convicts, Drunkards, Drug Addicts, Handi¬ 
capped, Psychopathic Vagrants, and Incompetents* 

As usual, Dr, Reitman rounded up an advisory committee of awe-inspiring 
names: Professor Arthur Holt, Chicago Theological Seminary; Professor 
E. 7T. Burgess, University of Chicago; Joel Hunter, United Charities; 

Ed, Hammond, Chicago Federation of Labor; Wilfred S, Reynolds, Council 
of Social Agencies; F, Emery Lyon, Central Howard Association; Anna 
Martindale Reitman; and Herman Adler, State Criminologist* His faculty 
was likewise enviable, and divided into seven departments: 


FACULTY 


Psychiatry & Mental Hygiene 

Dr* Herman Adler 
Dr, F. J. Gerty 
Dr, Alex Herschfield 
Dr, Sidney Kuh 
Dr, Clarence Neynan 
Dr. Charles F, Read 

Social Service & Employment 

Charles 3oyd 
Joel D, Hunter 
Wilfred S. Reynolds 


Philosophy & History 

Sam Ball 

Dr. Martin Bickhan 
Prof. R. H. Lcavell 
Prof. E. L, Schaub 


Re ligion & Social Ethics 

Prof, F. C. Beck 
Roy Franklin Dewey 
Prof. Arthur E. Holt 
Prof. Fred Merrifield 
Prof. Theobald Smith 


Music, Art & Drama 

Richard Bennett 
Florence 3rinkman 
Margaret Lester 
William Lester 
Prinzie Sisters 

Public Speaking 

Rev. Preston 3radley 
Prof, G. G. Davis 


Psycholoty & Sociology 
Prof. E. W. Burges8 
Prof. James Field 

Meetings (alias '’classes") were held three times a day, and as the pro¬ 
gram advertised: "All lectures in plain language that any bum can under¬ 
stand." Here were discussed such pointed themes as: "Will the Coning 
Christ be a Hobo?" and "Is there Room on the velvet for All?" One of 
the weekly courses was the "Drunk Clinic," at which the staff psychia¬ 
trist explained the evils of alcohol to a student body nominally re¬ 
stricted to habitual "boozer-bums. 11 Dr. Reitman claims (in a question¬ 
able combination of truth and extravagance) that so popular was this 
session that the laziest tramps would rise early to go dovrn town to pan- 
handlo enough for a drink so that they might bo properly equipped for 











a* 


•• 



, J 

" 


3 o. ..iZ J.nlocS £ ■ 

*C * ” 'X 

. 

ittir.2 jj!".:' .^ 03*5 


/"L^.id a tx. ,: i sirtl 

i^9fuioS £-x e xio if 
a^jnstniiS oonetc O 
•X3j80J $9Xr : ~ ' 

ioJ»aJ r;-' f II iVT 
oisnli^ 

oilcfjud 

•ypIAsiS nor g vx 4 ! 

aJv.is'T ♦& *x .loid • 


A t ' -• •.■- : 

- 

_ : arauiB, .id 

\JtoO *t» •'I *id 

. 

- 

.-vIO «*xd 

JbjssX eolx •'* »iQ 

. 

nvoS eolxsdO 
ioJ.u/H *Q laot* 

i . .1 ■'-> batttiV 


•- :_1 ' • .-j-i:;' 1 

ZLmS. ar.Z 
. .:UirM .“xfl • 
.H ,£ .*to*xd 
dunsioS ,Z «S •loiS 


^oIolooS A '' I 

•; ‘ ■> TI/fI .’’ 1 

Mvll csgcL «lond- 

-ot. v ,^1> r. 8or.*i.* ao'r: J. X/v. : OTfcv ( W 8988^X':’ : ■"•.-] Is) joM 

jjj/tf Xffs ■•■: * v; -'i'-.r.-'J n j ftiq i seiflrao )I IIA"' i MvvAr ausi® 

. ' • 

■ 

■, c i» J f. ^airzG”-■ ericf'e.^.W aoexi/do yll/BO 

.•■ j . '■£ r, j j Zodools* To alivs orlct Jbbni.nlqxi* lahl 

’ 

»ir!j asit xpi ' oq oa i.xdt i soa • v ; i - nolir-siidtno •!<f« 

~<x*q oJ /-• - 1 aw 

•xot jiaqqiijp: 'jXioqotq ocf %od) 3g&$' 09 ‘iai'ib' A io 1 ii^uoa* oi&onrl 

















46 


the "Clinic." 

The School closed at its first convocation on March 21, 1926; 
over 100 graduates each received a mimeographed document strangely rem¬ 
iniscent of a Boy Scout oath: 


DIPLOMA 

BE IT KNOWN TO A-LL THE WORLD 


THAT_ 

has "been a student at THE HOBO COLLEGE and has attendod the 
lectures, discussions, clinics, musicals, readings and visits 
to art galleries and theaters. 

He has also expressed a desire to get an education, "bettor 
his own conditions and help build a world that will be without 
unemployment, poverty, wars, prostitution, ignorance and in¬ 
justice. 

Ho' pledges himself to try individually to live a clean, 
honest, manly life, and to take care of his health and morals, 
and abstain from all habits that undermine his health end bet¬ 
ter nature. He agrees to cooperate with all people and organ¬ 
izations that are really trying to abolish poverty and misery 
and to work to build a better world in which to live. 


SIGNED_ 

DIRECTOR 

The traditional 1118 West Madison location was opened in 1927 by 
Herman Gaul as the Hobo Forum - Mr. Gaul explained that it was renamed 
the Plebian College J!~o rum when the'original title proved offensive to 
one of the tenants. After a little more than a year, Gaul dissociated 
himself from the group, and by May, 1929, Dr. Reitman caused to be dis¬ 
tributed all down the main stem, a leaflet reading:. 

"Let me enjoy the earth no less because 
the all-exacting might, 

That fashioned forth its loveliness, had 
other aims than my delighti" 


THE HOBO COLLEGE 
1118 West Madison Street 

Will Re-Open 

Saturday, May 11, 1929 









c* , 


%ohxlIO" sdt 


*cr XS ri rwi* - noli>v; ' • • . • Iq 

‘ •_;■■■■ - g ; s'-16 *000 

a u q j-5 i.a 

a j c-** g i a- a. o.?. / tf..]*. 1-J.. £ .§ 


•xovo 
iaooelal 


TAHT 



•ro.-tisa' xi* j 

• • ‘ ‘ v-ti' 



, ; aeo Lo /j o^it -t 
.alerter i ... 

biv dtl&od e 
hit?; 

Tpcoai'K 


. ' 


;ia 


•tjjrf V86I ill • 8£V i i -. •».! J]K>0l£$${ BfXf f” no ,M 

. ' ■ - . . ■ - . ; ' 

>■ 

* .' D: f.‘sj 2 ifiStit 


..... 

' 3 . ' 

‘ ! ■- 


.j; ..cack £>:; 

1 '•d.'i.i2 V'vV- v 

... • ■ ,*~ 

S-T • 

.• &sgi' ,.j;i 
















47 


Dr. Ben L. Reitman, 
Educational Director 
Phone, Dearborn 3837 

GRAND OPENING ENTERTAINMENT 
and 

FREE LUNCH at 6 P.M. 


The following will participate in the Program: 


Richard Bennett 

Noted actor (and company) 

Jim Tully, Author 


John L&ndesco, 
Criminologist 

Dr. David Rotman, 
Psychiatrist 


A1 Dunlop 

President Press Club 

Prof. E. W. Burgess, 
Sociologist 

Prof. F. 0. Beck, 

Social Pathologist 

Charles Boyd, 

Ill. Free Employment 
Bureau 


The Hobo College is dedicated to the study of the 
outcasts - "Unfriended, Melancholy, Slow" - the sub¬ 
merged and the seared. 

LECTURES EVERY TUESD'Y, THURSD'Y, SATURD'Y, SUND’Y NIGHTS 

As usual, Dr. Reitman used his access to other worlds to procure for the 
hoboes such an array of respectable speakers as any up-and-coming Y.M.C.A. 
forum would have been delighted to have. 

This histofy of hobo forums take us up to the latter part of 
1929, when the Hobo College at 1118 West Madison became the Liberal Sci¬ 
ence Institute under the deanship of Jack Macbeth. Mr. Macbeth has since 
moved from the old address and has become the Social Science Institute , 
which is operating in good form today. 







• 4 - 

' A .* .S ' - J X . . » •• )* • 

;■/ :'7,.-i 


, x-.-i . *-J nc«J .tC 

.. '"j " * 

*. * ,. .r % i • i .iv 

>$;ic.U; 

■'?> A ■■ v ■ 

; ' * ; . . • , • . .. 


, V . V . •! 

- ■. r : i 


qalauQ IA 

/ ■ 3 .. . 

t cao: • - *v . -I .. vx X 

sc-. 

H 1'. .C I . ' T J? ■£ r-lOOC 


J vfir.jC i>*x /• '■f' i 

•■Hi :>l< 

i L .lr xstt» 


3 u-. 


I ■ ,11.1 

IS: ■.7t4i 


. i r- 


•* ’ i •> : ,<! 

,0- : t nrff'X* 

tfgx jOloaintliO 

£ol 

v. v; •~ j::: r. •. . s. 


#j/’:‘* 1 .'3 • •■• . %j 


oCT 



«J* ‘iv 'i.-v: 1 :« .r-v* Ior. v. 


■ [ 1 ,0 o<ioH 


■•rrp 


: V' - ■■ ■ to •■,: : ■ , r'ta :• ... ?lai , . 

rU'"'. 1 .1' ' .v ■ .! 

r y'OTU^ ,Y»CMtrT;l2 t Y‘jIS£UH? ,Y’CT- .U'’ Y> uV.. 3STJTOtl 

. • , , • • • * i. t ', i ' • . • -r - . .•■> 

« . * ...... . ... 1 . •.* ■ \ -* . • • * 

- • f ■ ■ ‘5fWj >■ . ■ j i ? ■ '• ■ • ■ 

**-• •• ' --. » V * ; . .. . 

lo .f '.'.q lot ;, .r oriJ o i qtr nsr 03i. .Jt snurio. o o. ?o ixf isirfT 

r:•’ ys?. -•/•.: j.nroon ?aB/tX d’.a IoC Off©;'. :*uj .m:iv 

uOi/ 3 l atfDal tIocu "to qtrisiicoh ‘ io.bni; is ;I oo.t& 

♦ 1 <si is . . I _eo . i I - f -• -•v jitt vtxoooc e.:n hu if/o.s AIo ;. ’i>5vo« 

Lrjo" 'wc-.: .ix &tf ?i-.i -»qo xlol/fw 












CHAPTER IV 


PROTEST-FORUMS IN CHICAGO TOEAY 


Individually sponsored forums 
Thomas Paine 
Anthro-Cosmo 
Seven Arts Club 
Montparnasse 
Hyperboreans 
Social Science Institute 
Knowledge Box 

Forums sponsored by radical or liberal organizations 
Illinois Workers Alliance Forums 
Mid-City Workers 
West Woodlawn 
Monday Night Labor 
Free Society 
Central Loop 
Book Review 


Summary comments 


BZT'iABO 




ctvx'i. ' • e'xosrjcqe y,f Ixurbivl 1^-1 
oixisB Sijmcxil 
t. ,r.ao0-ovxit it&. • •'- • ’■" 

(fan? -:i •/.«*. .jiaysE. '•• 
sasxsnTt^tniiM.- •.: \ 
3itU9iO‘i‘>©qxH ■ 

:. - : t ?j-I ©0x19X0? laiooS •. -:i 

■>.Cv - ^alWOO^T . .v; 

i . ■ . t ■ ■■ ■ ■ ••• •• • 

; - iioniXXI 

e-.iC-blM. 

- •• , '.••-• fr;;6ibo6tr‘t8^;':,. * • *. 

*t "AiiJ ■ x. 1.;■ 7*i M 'v , ■ • 

'■' :1 ■ i . '\J 3ia.o.2- je-x'>L 

■"; vtv’>i 

‘ : ■' woiv .H'■; ; ’ 

:ssn o ‘.v^/’r.ci.fc: 


48 


In January, 1937, we were able to find sixty-two active forums 
in Chicago. Of these, thirteen (not counting Bug Club or Bug House 
Square) might be called protest forums. Protest forums tend to locate 
near the Loop, because they generally draw their audience from the en¬ 
tire city or from an area near the center of the city. The three ex¬ 
ceptions to this rule are the result of unusual circumstances. Two 
(West Woodlawn Forum and Monday Night Labor Forum) are sponsored by un¬ 
employed organizations which obviously need a neighborhood base* The 
third is the forum of the ono active Anarchist group in town, most of 
whose partisans live near its location. 

From the point of view of sponsorship, theso protest forums 
may be divided into two categories: (1) those held under individual 
auspices, and (2) those held under the auspices of some organization. 
Those under individual auspices are responsible to no one, and are char¬ 
acterized by an ecclecticism generally tinged with some "ism" - like bo- 
hemianism, spiritualism, or vegetarianism. The organization-sponsored 
forums are generally radical, have a definite agenda and a more con¬ 
sistent program. 


Individually Sponsore d Forums 


The Ecclectic forums, individually sponsored, are all within a 
mile's distance from the Loop. As we visit them let us talk with their 
directors, observe their audiences and comment on their peculiarities. 


Thomas Paine Forum and the Anthro-Cosmo Forum 

Meeting on Sunday afternoon at the same time and both within 
the Loon area we find the Anthro-Cosmo Forum and the Thomas Paine Forum. 
The forraor has a long and honorable history^ which we discussdd iil Chap- 
ter II. The Thomas Paine Forum is the last of a more or less continuous 

series of atheistic organizations under different names and sponsorships. 
Ton years ago, the earliest of these forums limited its discussion al¬ 
most exclusively to atheism. In fact, when Dr. A. G. Coplon took over 
the organization in 1935, naming it after Thomas Paine and featuring 
current events, many "devout athetists" left in protest. Its present 
audience as v/ell as that of the Anthro-Cosmo includes a bloc of dyed- 
in-tho-wool forumites whose summer forum routine is at the Bug Club or 
Bug House Square. While the general tone of the audience is "liberal 
in the loft sense of tho word," the weekly newspaper advertisements 
bring a number of outsiders too miscellaneous to warrant generalization. 
A small admission charge is made at both places to defray minimum ex¬ 
penses, although the speakers volunteer their services. 

The Seven Arts Club 

On the near-north side we find the ultra-bohemian Seven Arts 









8* 


anunol evilo* owl-^xie bni* ol o*** sir .TOI flI a , 

saaoH gys 10 dssio && yxiinvoo 30a) cosliixL ,9***™ 10 .c^oifiO ni 
eifiool of fan ©I amnol leoloi'* .sminol laeloiq i>aIX*- »tf irf^rsi ;^P« 
- iK ; aril noi't osmottaa niodf waifi ^IXsianea saxnsoo'i .qood »nt 
~xd eoirfi 9 riT .xiio aril *o lolnoo aril won *9i* ^ oo'i'l no \3to on 13 
oW T .aoonalamnoilo lA^eirajj to iXy : x oxil is olxrx sxrfl o/ noxfqoo 
-iw Ytf ^aioenoqt 0*13 (wnot node* iri&iK ***** «:■■ v ■ — • 

«$ ♦oead fwoifiQdjfeiaxx £ fioan ^Xaxfoivdo rioixH anoxia’-a^io boyrtqpo 
lo la oat .rxwol ni qwois JsirfousaA ovilos oao odd to nunot orf! «i fciiril 

.coiiftooi ell uson avll enjseiliiiq osoaw 

snuno't laoloiq onor.i ^qldanoanoqa 'to ireiv to inloq ods.aorf 

■ 

■ 

■ 

' 

boro*noq*«aoiias lassie oriT . • . 

in BBunql 

• . •' ■.: .:. 01’: 

nr.. :r o'" Xoioc flocfS * yJ ’. ( '^o r/f ^r.i 


s BJUUiK £te on* ,bon snoqs ^IXxuribiviimi fraunc 
nistda Ai in aU*l sju iol aorfl 1‘isiv aw »A *qoou •- ;; : '‘t/i 1 

nan osasoO-oxrflaA aril fin nunc 

nirflrw rllod fan . .ti.» arcs* o In normal tc ;°:-:a2 no 
•rorn.: -: oni.g" BrrcoriT cni Jfaan nxr tc'i ociaoO-oiriln A oril baft ow 3013 qooJ aril 
-c f nfaa ’arr'fa j'; o.: v'd IT~ - do in-. ~ f TCtcjo/ii dl'H/siono?! ' nn unol .:. _ y ~ f iol ■,>... 
airo,/nl 3 ;too cool . ■:• aicf; x> to la*! axil al cuno 1 ? ortr,i • riT a .17 not 

1 ineicar ■ 3 Jfan- ao?"'.; Ir.o'iottif) lobxtx; a: . * qs to. ‘ xo oilcio. -o soil- 8 
* ~tr, nni .ix/osli) 81. .v&llail acuno^ aeoril Ito laoili.ro oril ,cr^ 8i*a^ noT 

• 

■ T arinoxrt lollo. 11 -^fcrr' 

Irtoaoiq all ,leoloiq ni ll ‘ 

-j>o^ lo ooltf r, aofa^Iofix ofitaoO-oirilJxA. s>dj 10 .' 'til s: iio ■ 33 ooaoibvA 

ic tfxfiC §xxc . lo ci ox.ilxioi nun 1 ••uicurs sacdv aoJitu/io! Xoow-iril-ai 
• 

' 

*aoil®siXfiionoa tnniiew ol anoeocXIooai>:r cel eioMaltro 1c .locfaute * ifliitf 
*gce aonnixtira vritofa ol aaonXq rilotf In ebna ei ^nr.do qolBBlabA XI*M» 'A 

* 

:trXO si: _ 

xr.ariod-eillu :o>:l 






49 


Club , the neo-bohemian Montparnasse , and the hobohenian Social Science 
Institute , and the Hyperborians (which has not operated since 1937,) 

Carrying on the tradition of the Dill Pickle, the Seven Arts 
Club now holds forth ’’loudly and lewdly." The director, Eddie Clasby is 
a glib and well-poised chairman, whose vulgarity is the wittiest of any 
on tho near north side. Mr. Clasby acknowledges his main aim as enter¬ 
tainment. If, perchance, people happen to become better informed or 
educated at his forum, he does not object; but he insists that the pill 
be sugar-coated* 

Since 1924, he end his colleagues have held forth in about ten 
different halls. They first met at 5721 Cottage Grove as an off-shoot 
and ’.winter vorsion of the Bug Club. They came to include not a repre¬ 
sentative group of tho Bugs, but those of the members who appreciated a 
racier, sexier program, 

Mr. Clasby has referred to his group as "the near intellectuals 
of the near north side." Actually that component is considerably diluted 
by recruits from all parts of the city. (In Mr. Clasby 1 s large mailing 
list, composed of names of people who have attondod his forum, many are 
from the Hyde Park, South Shore, or northwest side areas, but few are 
from the near north side.) In the audience, white-collared proletarians 
and professionals predominate, while the great number of dentists, com¬ 
pared to other occupational groups, is apparent to the director. As to 
sex, the audience is about equally divided, and there are more young peo*- 
pie than at most forums. Thus, as it is overtly and boisterously de¬ 
clared, "The Seven Arts is a good place to come when on the make." 

Those who come may be described politically as unaffiliated 
liberals and radicals. But the main concern of the patrons of the Seven 
Arts seems to be SEX, in its "scientific," artistic or personal aspects. 
Regardless what subject is billed, sexual references are capitalized up¬ 
on. They are tho stuff of which the cleverness of the group is fashioned. 


Montparnasse 

Montparnasse is the newest addition to the individually spon¬ 
sored forums. It was founded in February, 1936, by Monte Randall, the 
"white-haired boy" of the Seven Arts Club and other forum cliques. He 
had some new ideas about forum-ing, not only about commercializing dis¬ 
cussion, but about making of it a "big business." From the point of View 
of publicity, attendance, eminence of lecturers, and financial returns, 
he has had phenomenal succoss. 

Saturday night at Montparnasse is not the conventional forum 
procedure. From 8:30 to 9 P.M., Montparnasse, mooting at the swank Vas- 










• , 

i ■ 

. 

- • • •- • ' ■ 

■. -K. ! ■' . • • ' 


III:? 


; . o©fc<fo^on e^**V •« , • 


t i)Og 

.-x^VjD'a od 


iiocf *'*-0 ■ ••' . . 

■ . ■ . ■ ■ 

■ ■ ■ - • 

■ r V *1 OX-V. . * 

V \ 

... ' ' . " 

: ■-■■■ •- . ' 

■ . . ■ ■ ■ ' • ■ 

i ' > ■ < •; . 

. . V . • ■ • J*$ i 

■■ ■ ; " 

. ' * iib - umth . , d- - • • • ■ 

• . * • . • ■ , • : ■ ; . ' 

, - . . • - . . . • 

- .. . . • ' .. 

. - . H . * . . 

x. . - * * r » ... 


. 3 3 


SJ jf i - ~ v. ^ -• -• ’ * .■ --- - ^ .- • ' > * 

* 


30 


j a are act J n v > M 

■' . ■ - . • : - . 

. ; • ; 

- ' * r.U * '»/ 1 -to -v 


. ; . 


j i ■ , .... , r ti . ■ > - 




' . . tvc4# a coj 21 wpn 

I ■’ ' » ■’ ■ . ■ 

' „ - . . - .. . ■ . . 

•aspooixs ^Jjjf.ouoaorlq^ Jb/u( eAd iH 

■: : o4i. to& ei .'Oaa 

. . j , ■ ■ . ' . 





50 


sar House Tea Roon, "strides the airlines" as Mr. Randall introduces 
three eninent persons (one of whom is the evening’s lecturer). Each of 
these speaks before the microphone for six or seven minutes on a subject 
of his own specialty. A short intermission follows in order, according 
to Mr. Randall, to give the radio audience whom he has just invited an 
opportunity to get down to Montparnasse. Then follows the speaker's pre¬ 
sentation, questions, and a discussion period described thus in the week¬ 
ly announcements: 


Your chairman will expect forensic palaver 
from the floor. • • anyone is invited to speak. • • 
three minutes allowed for each speaker ... 
longer if the audience keeps its thumbs up . . . 
Absolutely no opinions barred ... this forum is 
for the man who is wrong as well as the man who 
is right • • • During the unpredictable period of 
the evening, you will enjoy many a cerebral ex¬ 
plosion and rapier thrust of unpremediated utter¬ 
ance J 

There follows at 10:30 P.M. some novelty entortainraent until at 11 P.M., 
the assemblage adjourns, for cocktails, dancing, or informal conversation. 

This program attracts weekly (at an admission charge of 75^ an 
audience of 150-250 poople, composing several different social groups. 

Mr. Randall notes a Lake Shore bloc and he caters especially to middle 
class Jews, maintaining that they arc the sina qua non of every success¬ 
ful forum. The interested observer cannot fail to distinguish here also 
a set of "girls" of that age when the struggle against spinsterhood is 
likely to assume desperate proportions. Their conspicuous little ges¬ 
tures and giggles during the discussion period betray their eagerness for 
attention from some of the eligible males attending on a similar mission. 
Among those also present are the "forum hounds," colorful creatures from 
another world, who aro deliberately solicited because it is they who 
stimulate (if not monopolize) the discussion period and keep the rospec- 
table audience amused. 


HYPERBOREANS 

Although some of those same "forum hounds," inspired discussion 
at the Hyperboreans also, the rest of the audience here is not typical 
of any forum. Residents of the Marshall Field Garden Apartments and 
their friends - substantial folk of a professional sort - compose the 
bulk of those in attendance, although "Fellow Hyperboreans all over the 
world" are invited in the folio 1 .dng announcement: 

The earliest Hyperboreans were a mythical people . • . 

Far to the North they dwelt; in a region that was north 
even of the origin of the "North Wind." 



aoox/JSo Hal LL&uvJl .iK ia "nonilnit. Mli zobttf" ,noo& a^v ohjoY. tbs 
• ,, v. i.'iov- oxtt nx ctotfw ic &i v) $- .»ST iq ftioaicd -"td3 

^ no -s to "*• Tot ono-lqc^.i ■ oTolotf ^-eqs oned* 

w-jooo* ,T 9 i>t<- ; swoilo’f fiol«»iarie*nl Jiorfa A ^XAlosqe nw 8*d © 

nja hsjji-mi 9 £h 9/1 taodn aoasito ofbsT odr ov„ o* ,11/sbasJ *tU o- 
-STq a»Mdfl©q» *fo ^Oifo'i nsn'T .saa.iaTAq^nol! oi «w?b ^ oi 
-Jl«ew «W fll - *089f> .•'••: 2X/03 « - -£9,/p ,aOMB*<»8 

* at3W ;eir> ^Ttsonxwxuu# V 

. ‘ . >, . 

. . .rUsqa ot bscival et 9noy«fe ..« «•.. 'y .F-'— . •. I, . 

, , , toafaoqi.-doBt ; -.p . • .• 

• ,« ♦ • ’ 

.... jot aId* . . . f»T**d . ■! • 

. 5; : • . \ .... 

—-ifca.TBibanioTqm/ re. iaxr//:o, -ijicca r j .... 

: lOOiJ? 

. . . f ; ■ • "■ "■ ' 

....... . ' . ' ' 


; ' ' 

,z‘jsj::’i-- I&Xooa flaoTj&ttib ixnavoa <■ - ;'.• • -• “ y -' ® ? on 2 

' •' ' 

- « owoL r 

.. 

* . • 

'C;l « so - rJimojftfr ooX-:va .-Wl^iXo oil* t< *raoa aoMn .i?., 

CTOTt mwIboi© Xi.rtoXOo' w -vWwmod cun-oV Vdl; -ota *ncao?<j oc f-n oe^ri* ^omA 
. <.-Vsf .-bo*'I ■ • i- ® rtfl 

' - : . • - . - di 

■ . V \ •■ • 


•"' E'lKSr.C-i^TO • ■ .. 

' ’ •••■' ti&JorliUL ■ 

. 

!•• :. :■• - a OS 9 lit Tied* 

sinomsottsromxfl ^b oXict orij ju boiivni otb ''blTOv? 

. . • •• • 

• ■ . . • 



51 


The rigors of their artic climate coolod their blood 
and the heat of all their sensuous passions was in con- 
soquence chilled and dissipated. . . 

Their hopes, despairs, aspirations, disappointments 
and desires were at o.ll points solely intellectual. They 
sought for and attained the ideal of the "intellectual 
absoluto" and this meant, of course, that they were privi¬ 
leged to enjoy perpetual happiness and eternal youth. 

Wo, in all modesty, have adopted the "intellectual 
absolute" as our ideal. That this particular "absolute 
like all "absolutes" is unattainable to us is not of the 
slightest importance. It still serves for our ideal. 

We are the modorn reincarnation of the earliest, known in¬ 
tellectual myth men. We <?.rc the Hyperboreans, 

All who can read this card with sympathy and under¬ 
standing are our brothers 

Fellow Hyperboreans all over the world! We rejoice 
at your initiation and with open arms we welcome you.* 

Actually the audienco in regular attendance (about forty persons) bore 
no startling earmarks of abstract intellectuality* Their homogeneity, 
as well as the failure to import professional bohemians, was probably 
responsible for the inertia during the discussion period, although vi¬ 
tal and frequently sensational topics wore chosen. (The forum director 
passed away in the summer of 1937. Subsequent attempts to revive the 
forum under different auspices have provon unsuccessful.) 


The Social Science Institute 

The Social Science Institute is the most successful hobo forum 
in this city. It has been located since 1934 on North Clark Street 
(first at 439; now at 708) the locale of the so-called "intellectual 
hobo." Jack Macbeth, the director, explains why he moved from the origi¬ 
nal meeting place at 1118 West Madison, which is in the general area of 
all previous hobo colleges: "The old location became unsuitable; it 
contained too many rooming housos, gambling joints and prostitutes - and 
those in no way helped our forum." The regular audience of approximately 
seventy-five persons is by no means limited to the neighborhood hobo and 
unemployed. Especially on Saturdays and Sundays there is an outside 
crowd of "occasionals," who appreciate both the intellectual and social 
values of the Social Science Institute. "I have solved the problem of 
attracting people who really want to learn," claims Mr. Macbeth, as he 
proceeds to describe his audience: "They are not respectable, they are 
colorful; they are socially and economically unstultified and hence 
freer for thought. They have not had a real schooling, but they are in¬ 
telligent people who come here in large part for information." 

The way up to the institute is by a dark and dingy stair, and 


*A rival forum leader explains, howover, that the name was intended as pun: 
Hyper-bore (ans). 











V 


! I < U 


4 ' *» « 


•LI 


M f f > 




■4 - 


•f 


(' t 

P " « 


St ; <St 0*1 

ro J.'o'A 


bnr 

• • i y‘ >V ! . -C 


r *■ 


•». •» • 

r » 






> 1 • 

l jLCJ.ii. 


V - li 


V 


/ 3 I 






». * >* », 
% v* 


. • ’ 






4 •• ‘ 


• • 


■ > * ■- 


.1, S.4 i i 


0 

^ , r 

JJ 1 «L< 


;;o a 


: - . \ j 




rt 

•• . • • •• 


- \ 

» j 


i *•> 
>. 


<*. •*- 


Ix:i/i 0 
o I;floe 
liJ It * 


r 

* 


>' ■ 'V 

• # 

• ■ f - 


V 


— 1 L*' 


i &,}■ f»e 




-rri 


l r 


,T 0 


* *r 


- -:j >*--: ' 

• • 

ry.a r 

O • « 

• f € j • «> 

• ; 


*•* . • 


... . 

, 

* 

otiv-cyM 

. t ' z 


f :* .* 


» 


i ' ^ 


. r ... 


• • V * 

•> v •» • 


‘ C 




off 


' • * L 0 '* 

*t r 


•% 


•• 

4 * 


.'is* 

1 >1 i 


» * « . ir -» * « 


A -> L • * 
. • . 




ov 


1A 


! 


1 ** 


r> 


Cl 




fl 


t* r 


i 


EJLa 02fix 

' ■' lie 

, ' 

ooIIoX' 

fir/ IXA 

k ililx JJ . 4 J V- o. 

iwi- • * • J* 


0"i 


. ^ ^ J 

fc 


.. 


^4 






j i 


. - 


>. 


- ? . 


*T V* J 


V.3J.v>t a' 
*/r. ' .(trvi 


VJT: 

• — _w 
*i J. ^*4. 


-* I* 




$ uo<S& 

t r r 




* v *rr* yr 

• ■ r ■ ‘ 


T r l f 
. ■- J . 1 » 


. j : 1 j 


r- 




u 




f. *.• "*i 






». • . •. • 
j r J ‘ ' M 1 v ‘ 


,-4 < r '»• 

4 . . 4 *.. . 


ooxxo K •: 


j/u 


V 


:• v*. ' • * r; j. 




■ 


.0 . 




> ■*. / . , •. Hi 

, ‘ 1 t r - <*, ' 


•• 


0 *x. I 

• z 




s'* 


Jl: J■ V X ■> 1 

vi J ^iO JLT 

io iQtmuB ni 

•D •* • '■* 


* 


. .. 


• • 

: •» 


• • 

«• H 

« • 

. * . 


' < 


1 » 


* • • 


"i " rt 
.. u ^ J 1 - 


r 1 f i'v «' > 

.V _ » « » 


t* '> (K 


i i* * ,* • 

A. / 1 « 




aurfc I 00 til Xi/ 1 ? 


t -» > / r<f 


.irU 


^ - .. ♦ ; 


,? j i:ioc 8 ori? 


. 

W . 4 


1 r 

4 * •• V 


e . . , * 

' • i • 3; > - «i 




- . -* : 


1X4/ 


-• j 


*1 






1 • .v ; 


‘X 


’ 

1 ' 


,*« 


• t 




1 


■ •£.. i . . ■> 


• *: < 




4 , 

V +m 


\ ■ >■'- 


• l * • ' 


o: /: *• 

• • :• A 

* « • * * 


r-Jt 

> - » 


•.» J 
* f. ; 


( V •<** » : 

^ O ' * w 4 

• ... 

-A > o • » . 

* 






Co 


q ■ • ; - *'.: 


• •• 


% * * 


I - -v «| 

Cl 

► f /> 4 

• »*• 


: - ’ • >• .• • • •■■ , . 

• 2 • * * * '• 


Ic • ’ i J • • . 

* w « . ' . - 

. - • Q ; . - 4 * 5 ?£*_■, : . •*:. /;** 

' , ' « 2* • • • • • • " * *' m 

»■ ■ i A . • < 

... J * w.i . J \ V 

• f • N • * • / •> * ' 


( 

, • 


- <* 4. 
- • .. •# 




jo 01 

-■ . V- • 




J *V 

• • 




' 

V l 1 


..a J i i 00 ,. 


r.-r •’ 

\ * % 


OTL 

-r i 




4. 1 r ,1 

J .4 




. .*- C * * u 


4*. 4- 


X T 


r. 


* * .r: - */ .* •. '* f C- • r • 

- - . " v * 

r • ' * * \ ? * ‘ ; 

♦ .• t 


-Xl . v-j . . ' v .:■ 

t .h ^2 ir.Xnao 

ri -jn jii 

£2 Bt-a '•• • - 

' ' 1 

u ', vioiaBOS 


^ >. 




K . 


.4 • . . 

* . » 


•* 

» • v 


1 • *• v j 

a « 

.• r * . • ■ . - r * 

z\"H 1 <Sir:uh<riq 

; : . • . • • * ; 

■ ‘ ** • l' V 

• - * V 1 • •* • 

- 1 - ’■ 


• * r - 


4 • 


• • : ■ ?• 


,'> £ 


* * 

- -• 


. - 




- 1 r>. 

< < ■ / « • 
? 4 • • 


.. 1 


fi r 




^ rtf ^ ‘ 

♦j .^1 ^ 4 - - ^ 




r, 


'"4 ' 


t 

: t • 








< ' / ;• 


■ r l; 




oj ctit 


•iff’ 1W 


r,-'T 


. i 


» - .► N -f£ f ^ 

k A> v. - 1 - J I JL 


• I 

4 , 






4 ' 

• . 




~oj ru.'ioi 

/.b ■ 


f .... 

: ■- • 


n. - 

A • 


. • 







52 


one will find a collection plate when one gets up there, if one comes on 
Saturday or Sunday. For on the week-end Mr. Macbeth foregoes the rou¬ 
tine of passing the hat, but makes the more dignified and equally lucra¬ 
tive gesture of placing a tin at the entrance. "Of course, X must have 
someone to watch it," he adds. 


The Knowledge Box 

Occupying the original home of the Social Science Institute 
and the traditional headquarters of Chicago 1 s hobo colleges was the 
short-lived Knowledge Box, which lasted only one season. Its audience 
of about sixty men was much like its predecessors, although the more 
serious could go to the Social Science Institute on North Clark Street. 
Its spirit is evident in the flourish of program blurbs. Thus a mimeo¬ 
graphed announcement card reads: 

Extra.. Extra.. The Ghost will walk on Madison 
Street...Sat. Feb. 13th..Professor Leroy P. Parker 
will roll back the curtain of the beyond and let the 
stiffs talk to their buddies who are now residing in 
the High Rock Candy Mountains. How would you like 
to have a Ghost whisper in your ear, "Buddy, can you 
spare a dine?" • . • Admission 10# 

But man does not live by words alone; and the hobo college also con¬ 
cerned itself with its students' more elemental needs. Above the pen¬ 
cilled signature of Slim Brundage the following plea was sent to the 
"sucker list" of the Knowledge Box: 

KNOWLEDGE BOX 
(The New Hobo Forum) 

1118 West Madison St. 

An Educational Forum Where the Unattached, the Homeless, the 
Hungry, the Rebel, the Maladjusted and Misfit May Endeavor to 
Find a Better Way of Life and a Useful Niche in the World. 

OPEN FROM NOON TILL MIDNIGHT 
Lectures Every Evening and on Sunday at Three P.M. 

SLIM BRUNDAGE 

Director LOUIS SCOLA 

A. W. DRAGSTED Custodian - 

Treasurer 


Chicago, Jan. 27, 1937 



no iojroo ai.ao 1i t ei£>rii qu sis;.. >no nad* ai.^iq noiio^ltco s bnil..XXiw a&o 
t $0030*10* riiaeforM .ilt-X>eo-^68ar . eri^ : - f 

[ yljjsnpa .bn.’, si on ar£j. .: , • . xuizapq Jo Bali. 

ov/jri i'ena I .detxroo-10“ •aaiurt'rtW ad *c oniriaaf •»!?;. 

< . , - .. enosmoa 


xoS' a^boiwortS .sia* . : 

•JAitiiaaX soneioS XaiooS art?, r lo oaorflBrii^ino: orfi. ■&nlyqifooO 

jrii oo odor! a * ’3o an irr,.--,fp&iInnoi iIJbuvtt. ori J JEwia. 

iolbjj/3 Bii *ncraa«o \;Xfl< . • _-v. ui u:;5 .^eviX-^apri®' 

■ 'fX-l* .iACKfA to 

,d ovy afosXD jftioft no ■ ai~ :■ ■ o2 X. ; olVoo. yublton 

-oamici a aiafi? .article jaan^onq lo riaitiroJ 1 •-. - ■; •/...' , v •• ;■• .vl 

: r. is a .• :r, o> i .p.o - ?- o 7 o onnoafla iertqrsna 

OOS IJbail no- stlo# XIiw isOnC’- aril :«,$sixf-.i .-., X 

voKo/T iH'yotChl tcs oo 'cVT. . •. ■ it< . . 

oiL" ieX/fuw bac^erf o.'r o■ : v; v, . >; . . 

At ^albtaan won *n^*odw'aotbibirff r.o ■ •'..-•■•.•. f . 

92{II : uro‘X Mjiow woH .sriii&vrjxc^ ^ 
i-dY'nno t ^fijbxjft M t iBo- ari© 1 ^ ni•-*;■>^oivv.- isorfC oe -jvM o ' 

■ ■: -• . , , ■■.. :• ; ■ . 

-no: oaljB o^alXoo oo'ori edi fun. jaj -.. , ; - .ion aooti rts.or infi 

• avodA '''.abaan Laiaoiaala son..: 1 . • • . .* 

>ifJ oi it:-y% saw salq gnlwoltoTt orii ‘(Hi IS -'t.o ; ooujiAnailk belllo 

JX( 0 £.asGOi lo naslatra . ,r •• 

x o a 1'0 'cx.j w o;:i x,-i 

(Kilo'S odoK■ "0 7 /i.-!• 1') ) 

.ic.--.us ibti : -• :• i ,f.: 

• 'XonjoR exii ,JbariOAJiiSAU- ; o ' . u- 

• -■ • ';r”-jrxsi!i ko i>od; ,: - 

i ■’ it' 

uviif? i.s- v?X>iu/S- no ^ne \ .-• 

JU008 3IU0J 
o^iboiaiK) 

^oSI ,‘VS .‘rtaT» 


' ■•■ M 

"sQJ/.. O'l 1C- 

•■■ .-'. .• A 




53 


Dear Sir: 

We are in financial difficulties. The average 
collection at meetings is two cents a head. That 
will not pay rent and buy coal. Madison Street wants 
this forum but cannot support it sufficiently. 

We want to start a lunch room where the hungry 
transient may be fed whether he has money or not. 

Grocers raid bakers are helping us some with food and 
bakery goods but we need money for equipment. 

Unclosed are some tickets to our "Fiesta For 
Forgotten Men." Wo sould appreciate it if you would 
sell then to your friends pud nail us the proceeds as 
soon as possible. 

Our shows are worth fifty cents of anybodies 
money. A quarter ticket should not bo hard to dis¬ 
pose of. We will thank you for any help you can 
give in this direction and return you the blessing 
of a hundred thousand homeless men. 

Yours for a Better World 
(Signed) Slim Brundage 
Director. 

Two weeks later, The New York Times carried an Associated 
Press article, "Hobo College Send SOS For Rent Money" 
which contain a friendly resume of that Chicago institution: 

The Knowledge Box - decorated with murals, 

(alumni art) of Karl Marx, Mark Twain, Ingersoll, 
Darwin and others - holds seminars, clinics and fo¬ 
rums "every night at 8 sharp." The lecturers next 
week include a Presbyterian minister, a surgeon, a 
former alderman, a retired attorney, a dentist, a 
physical culturist, -and a former law partner of 
Clarence Darrow. 

FORUMS SPONSORED BY RADICAL OR LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS 

Illinois Workers Alliance Forums 


The Mid-City Workers Forum 





sa 


• zvi? 'iscZ 

% ' ^ * : 

' . 

; M 

■ , ■' ' - : 

, . • 

.. - : f • ■ 

/ ' . / - . 

nr abtfoociq *u lion baa iba9tl% tue* O •' - 

o . , ... v*>f i*r&C ' liOOc' 


■<3 \i: v- • . .. u : ;. r-*i■ ■ * - ■’f-r 

• ... • • - ' 

• . 

ft pi ■ ; .. • ' 

£1 -ioT : i o vui-, stuoY 
o:. • l rrs? v.112 (bsa^iB) 

«'t • i ... • ■ . 

« . 

. ' ... pn’T " g^otfiL •pifatbt owT 

*v.>p*o ; ‘ +. _> : i 5 0 2 bns3 ? Lf o- • c-.K t 'j f r" saoai 

. oav*(n xZbtio-t*\ a-atrtinpo doldm 

' . • ' ■ r ■ ' ; 

.' ‘ ■ 

' - ■ - . 

■ ■ •: 

i / “ *' . ^ r »' v i ■■ ’* _ - 

' ■ ’ • ‘ • : ' - ' • 

tf , 

. • ■ ■ ; 4 ./ ’ • ' ~ ‘ 
























54 


The Mid-City Workers Forum, the first radical-sponsored forum 
which we shall consider is sponsored hy Branch 31 of the Illinois Work¬ 
ers Alliance, whose leadership is communistic. Located in the neighbor¬ 
hood of the Knov/'ledge Box, it attracts men of similar economic condi¬ 
tions but of a different political outlook. Their discussion period is 
not a competition private witticisms, but a chorus of mass slogans. 

They are not facetious, but serious and eager. They do not arrange 
fiestas when funds ere low; they picket the relief stations. They not 
only imply a criticism of the capitalist system in their general bear¬ 
ing; they make this criticism explicit in protest demonstrations. There 
is, as we have said, a partial duplication of the Knowledge Box audience, 
but hero there are more foreigners from the slum area, family men or 
men who once had families, "depression stiffs" rather than the profes¬ 
sional American hobo. The articulate members of this forum (they are 
relatively few) are Communists or Communist Party sympathizers. More¬ 
over only those speakers are invited who are judged - as the chairman 
put it - "as asset to civilization." Hence, the question period tends 
to be more popular than the discussion period. For the last few years 
the forum has met four times a week (with an audience of about thirty 
in a hall which is shared during the rest of the week by the Internation¬ 
al Labor Defense and similar organizations. 

West Woodlawn Forum 


Local 19 of the I. W. A. sponsors the West Woodlawn Forum, lo¬ 
cated on the south side close to the colored district. One of its aims 
is summarized in the slogan "Black and White, U-nitei" The regular au¬ 
diences (of about thirty persons who amble in much beyond the opening 
hour end at different times throughout the meeting) are about equally 
divided between white and Negro. They are persons of low economic star* 
tus, on relief or close to it. The more faithful forum members belong 
to the I. W. A. or some Communist Party "mass organization." 

The Monday Night Labor Forum 

When Local I of the I. W. A. initiated their forum in the fall 
of 1936, they sought the cooperation of other community organizations, 
and the program speaks hopefully of these "affiliated groups": 

The forum is not simply the creature of the Worker's 
Alliance, It is a cooperative venture in which labor 
unions, churches, community clubs, settlements, unemployed 
organizations, cultural and sport groups are invited to 
participate. A Committee composed of representatives of 
such groups guides the conduct of the forum. New groups 
and interested individuals are urged to join the Commit¬ 
tee. 





rnnol fee?oe*oq*-I*oJJ*ri UiVl stii ^xnol aintioV #rIT 

SaoV aioaiXXI . . Trr2^S2 

-lOrfffeioix odJ nf -bai&ocl •oiiatnwoaoo -si ; : .. J 

T •'■ i ar.IittiB to asm afrom3>$* si ,*<& *%bol'-- ••♦•" i,Coi * 

el boi'Jvq'a • »S41* *-t» *W 4«J*i 

o ; «fe> * aj«v•;•>•. •:• •'••_ . •’ : '- 

• r, \*U &I odi' Joifoiq ^oricj two! '>’•* ; aJtfaoiT 


^i S 9 0 * 'icTJtiurj Ti9ri) ni ere^B^a 48iXjBjiqjsD orij ; tc* neiciJ- 


(3 S3 


X : . ■:. . vlxxo 


si'J^’jJanojsoJb raojo-xq ai JlolXqko aaihitHb airte octtc 


ex 9a 


xo£ 9 %bo£'.foaX *di 'U -t ; ,i>iaa 


■ -, • .. ■ ■ 


• "adoagio^o-t e’x-on o'ia -*~s -- 

ODCIO Ollw ^6B 




tsmo^ialsiS'^ff #*etfaaer ortsltfoi - ■ tos-towA d ;■* 

-eioM «a?9$irfJ«qaiY8 tsItusuudO ta adairiBcfflc®- ’ • ‘' 1 i 

* «6ato*qa ^»ddJ v/«0 **V0 

sXI-ivib o* '^ses s**--’** 

twi i»X-xrq©<t «<• •» « 

JaodA iO ®onall>OB ^Pta'rfiiw) *5*?»'ow b -’asait *twot iaraf Wfi Banco 

>rt*LLM* al 

,8noi«?as ixxi5S'xo '- ia- JS«d sad d- todsl Is 


-nolisxnteJnT 


r.; :•■•■» 


" / ’ 


-nl .cunov a-xXJbooW jeaW ••>;{? sioaao'.ja .A *W .1 &AS "id ?X -,£*.$ aX.\ , *• 

. 

“■i/s aiS3P ■ • • ''' ' '• • • ■"’ 

’ *^r;x•-;• o srfi baO^sd 1 doom lii •©£( ’ JxrocfB to}- aaonoib 

■ ois (s&ijas fnaiottii) Sc btts 

^j g 3fatonooa :/' ., ©*ie \oHT •-••••" fioowJod' Siabti 

■ 

• 4J 0* 


• •• 


-> - . « ■ «■ •■ 


oxf.t ai axno’i *xiorij AoJaiJiai JL «W .1 ©41. Ito'T IsoqJ aoxf^ . 
.aaohiXsix'.v.xo icxr.>-<">o lorixc 'to ROiJaioqooo orij Jrfoaoe >;9rii ,9^61 xo 


- v .* . ** • 


4 . 


a WsxtaoTff tc oixrqaoao dd^ \Xqmi8 J-di' -’c-l cxnbl '/ 

iocs £ doitht ni atx/Jasv avl^sTjqoco n si il *oc:iriJIA 

iL’-O -.sao, ;u? 


ia\;:iiqTrtoai; .sJaa/rwIS Job- jBdirfo- -£jixa'. :/t.": •' ,;<• 


. ■■ ‘ •.'■•■■ • 

* • • ■ , . • ■ -•. 

aqao'i '3 woM •mxnioli eri4 to Joi/.bnoo niiS sob*l^ si mb 

tsubi'ribsit ivoJaaidJ'st-x ba.o 







55 


Anyone familiar with the list of sponsors which appears on the same pro¬ 
gram will recognize their similar, somewhat radical nature, and their 
possibly interlocking directorships: 

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS 
Metal Polisher's Union, Local 6 
Workman's Circle, 3ranch 132 
Illinois Worker's Alliance, Local 2 
Nature Friends (Sport Club) 

Community Youth Club (of Humbolt Park) 

Humboldt Park Consumer's Cooperative Club 
Illinois Worker's Alliance, Local 1 
Workman’s Circle, Branch 451 
International Worker's Order, Youth Branch 
International Worker's Order# Branch 1 
Humboldt Park Br. International Labor Defense 

When the more representative and "respectable” community organizations 
failed to respond to the forum, it became the exclusive charge of the 
I# W. A. The Monday Night Labor Forum meets in the basement of the par* 
ish house of the Humboldt Park Community Methodist Episcopal Church# 
Reverend W, B. Waltmire the pastor, has long been an active sponsor of 
unemployed organizations. He accepts the responsibility of getting the 
speakers because he has greater, contacts and easier access to them. The 
audience is of the lowest income, middle-aged, and of several nation- 
alties. Rev. Waltmire describes those who attend as belonging to either 
of two classes: (l) people who want to do what they can to help the un¬ 
employed; (2) the disqualified, who are unacceptable elsewhere. He re¬ 
gards the forum as not merely a means for dispensing general information, 
or an opportunity for certain people to get things off their chest, but 
as a method to organize thinking and to orient it toward proper action. 

The Free Society Forum 

A short distance away from the Monday Night Labor Forum is the 
anarchist-sponsored Free Society Forum. The two audiences are only 
slightly overlapping although their points of view are somewhat similar# 
The Free Society Group is not concerned with providing a broad general 
education for the population of Chicago's northwest side, though it ac¬ 
cepts this as one of the by-products of its forum. Its main concern is 
to have a platform from which its ideas and ideals may be presented, 
even if this presentation is largely limited to the sale of literature 
and to five-minute speeches by members (among numerous other counter¬ 
acting five-minute speeches).. The forum represents, moreover, a meet¬ 
ing place for the anarchist old guard, and a sort of public testimony 
of their continued solvency. Despite these aims, political opponents 
are not discriminated against. Anarchist lecturers are an almost in- 







8 ortt no naaqqa rioWw aiOMtoq»;..tq tall odt n?i* isiStrzx'l . 

[solba? taiiwoooa ;. ibitii osir^ooo-x XXhr it. 

«o*»:vxiX> saW-'Miutni •'« 


*r 


jbnr. , oiMsc 


'buoitasiuaxho mvmuo'z 

a t aoiaV‘a'.i.-Klfilo? usJoM 

... ■ 6 ■•.,'■'■■■■* 

£&ooJ oo.v'sij£i!A aWsihoW eionXXXl 

•jfir.fC tioqZ) &iwi& 

(&*$ J.XotfEurH to) ■ tfuXO ifJaqT %:•}IauoaoS 

jaoO 5*19120311 oO oi'r./f.•• v r £) fodfiJX/H 

. • 

‘ I2i riofte'iS t oXoalO B^xs/xHioff 
. • xfonffifi-lii'XwT ^tofjiO -.8 !toiio® 

X rfoaeiff jitaiiO ft’/xoaCtoir 

■-.... • •' 

• . ’ • •- * s ‘ . " • . . .» • • ■ • v 

' • • ' • 

idri: 9VXB0X9X0 .ad* aosostf . 

u- • to inemsEBcf sxii n: «*© 9 m nur rc'X toJnJ . •* •" •* 

■ ®d* .1^ 

.erfj $ni**as to ijiiild’iBixogaa'x pri* aJqoooB .a3 . .aa ; .’....tw h.. 

ejdT *mexfj. o* 88 . i ; . • • ' * :4 - •- 

-flOhfJGfl XS10V98 to ,^ 0 S*«eXi)f} ii. 1 ., ■ •' ; a lbua 

oi ^ai^noXocf ae fcao;fj 6 *oifw obcv’: Bsd’hxoso *; l- ' *** 

j xu . .. . • - . ■ ■".. ■ . • 

-:vT eH ,uV:>r {■•■jr. x. ■ . AU 31.3 orftv f JbOit fXj30pBXf) (S) 

■ ' 

,aaorfo ixor’.’. Tto evMrtt o.t olqooq ni/ liso tot 'v^'n;y>ioo. {0 oa io 

. ... ' . 

~ . *r ”• *; " ’ n ihc'f x*.- ; il or? 

we > • ••• t'3li> ^i.y. ; 3 A . 

, ^Xnr. sis aao«0|I>0a.©Wj un'T ; -.w t sc t » r;..og Xieicafloqa-tsirio'ix s 
% *trX *^12 fatiaootoa ftta wstv: .to BitaXqq Tcioria d.^i-'or 

reiq dAlw Jbon?f?aQo tea 

ifmditpa a’o^aqiriO to -xxolj . 

. • st-uno-io-^ qp to ono • aa .aid* at 

Ob ajs&Jbi a j i rloliiw moit jsio.'ltalq a ay&ii o) 
to alee pdt ot bettoil ai 

mm §coag) aiscTmom '; : . ala-oTlt o t boa 

•joour o t iovooibn ,ejiiaeoaqo* nxrxot oal •seoilof^qe •: ' i x-yvii jjniJor. 
Xnoraioaai oil fu to ^*xoa * ijxus ;.*s Mo teitiotems:* or.; -xot eoalq ,. .ii 
Qd-xijfloqqo XnoiJ'iXoq % ax:lc oaa.i^ o.txqa^CL .vccvvXoa x>.i 0 nx.?noo ':o 

~ni tao niL^ .-us o-xr anci'iirtoM dsixioiraA .isnii^a b&d-Bfliahtoc i> J->c oia 





£6 


significant percent of the lectures scheduled. Protagonists of all isms 
are invited to speak. Political sophisticates compose a large portion 
of the audience. In the discussion each of theso is likely to articu¬ 
late his own sectarian moral no matter what is scheduled. Each indi¬ 
vidual's viewpoint is a matter of public knovrledge even before the per¬ 
son rises in the regular discussion period, Tho oft-repeated complaints 
and panaceas are predictable; they are the "constants" of every forum 
meeting. While there may be a 50 per cent turnover from meeting to meetr¬ 
ing, the audience varies only slightly from month to month. It is com¬ 
posed of people of several nationalities, the majority of whom are Jews. 
They are working people whose very limited formal education has not 
satiated their desire for learning - or for controversy. Intellectually 
they are self-made men. For them the forum is in truth a "workingmen's 
university." What it fails to offer in a well-rounded liberal education 
it makes up for in its advanced social sciences. It is a free education, 
except for the voluntary contribution token up at each meeting to defray 
expenses. 

Central Loop Forum 


Nothing like the same diversity of political opinion is re¬ 
presented in the communistic Central Loop Fppum sponsored by the Chicago 
Workers' School. The school is an "authoritative Marxist-Leninist" ed¬ 
ucational institution which aims to equip its students "for service in 
the labor movement and in tho broad, progressive peoples' movement a- 
gainst fascism, reaction raid war." (l) "Workers' Education is Workers' 
Power" is the slogan of tho school. Its Central Loop Forum has been 
meeting on the preraisos since 1935 under tho auspices of the Friends of 
the Workers School. Hero "noted loaders and fighters in the working- 
class movement discuss important events and current problems of tho day" 
to an audience composed largely of members or sympathizers of the "move 
ment." 

Book Review Forum 

Conducted also under somewhat left-wing auspices, although of¬ 
ficially unaffiliated, the Book Review Forum opened in 1936 its program 
of lectures on recent books of "social significance." The mailing lists 
of such organizations as the Teachers' Union, the Technical and Research 
Employees' Union W.P.A. workers), etc., from whose.ranks "progressive" 
professionals may be recruited were used in publicizing the programs. 

The sponsoring group was composed of writers formerly associated with 
the short-lived literary magazine, the Midwest Review, and sympathetic 
in general to the Communist Party. 

Summary Comments 

So as wo have described in bird's eyo view, these are Chi- 










r 
+ • 


V, 


t 


. • ;• . i - 4 



.. .» * ' * * . 

I • ,r. - * . 

* ' 4 ” <. • *v* « ... _ 

■ i 5 

» , » . . . *• 
. •■ . * ' . 

*; i ;n ‘ . r. • 

. , ~ 

.,*•*.• . • s-* * - ,r 

i'J 4 * *'*’ - - * 


. - • r V , j ’. “A 


* •» 


t 


•» t 


: • 


. j 


i f - 




> . i- 

► •’ *• 

t* 

. * - 




,rj . ’* * 




*; * 


-' 




. * ■ 

:*X& 

^ ft 


r 


rt • I 
i*3i -r 

„ • . * •» 


.• 


' .- • - r * * 

. :: :* 3 - 

war i » M 

• • • 

l* ‘ Vr 


• • 


;•! * »' - / . 

.** * • f.— 

v * - 


1 .*> ... , -. * » • 

-1 S J . 1 IrJ J'***- *’» 

• .. ».« *»'• • • 


.• r i jl. 

....... . i 

;iy a! LnsstLyf 

t 

. 1 


!V 


hrt 


.. j 



. .. 


r* *\r 


J-; - 


l* • • 


.X * 4 ; t 


. . • 


J * 


l r*r 




iL 


J . 'Z - * . ■ i 


J . - * : «*' *‘r • ■ V - Vi 

•*1 » . . ' • . ... . “ 


IJ Ov 31 

-r i 

.’33 c ; 

XprfT 

£} AW #30 

. n 

-• 

:t*v u 


»* *» 


• * •• •-' -j !• . • i • ?. 

j • v4h -1 • 


t .j. -• 


<*r 








(1 c 


^ j cV 


: ro 




4 . ♦ 


M /; ) >" * 


v k 


VI i ) twl 


4 Or 


i-?. 


TX’^ 


«• 

t 




^ r. 




>/“ * » >! 

* .-.* A. 

/ . *. r. •* - 

^ % • * i 1 * " ’ 

* • ^ .i 

*••• ! 


• -V». ’* 

; : . ^ »...: »•• —•• * 

/ • • . • ^ : - r 

X . f ' ..4 . *.{ r t , . ' v 1 • ; * • r 

" r. -V- . - •. •' ’ ’ J 

~ i . v'* 4 '**,.'• * ' .. 

t. I »«i • ; f£. \ * ^ . t 

r--;.V •: '■!■ • ■''>:* J> - V. 

...• - -v. . • • •; • L k # i 1 

. -V /. ■' ■•■• • • .. * .. -t , : : • -V 




cool i/rtJxi^D 


boina&oior 


j. 


4 v 


? lo 




« ( <4 ^ f . 

#.•*»'# r»^ 




- i 


. 

n»f n 
' • * 


r ?:. 


I ■ T 4 1 

~ .. .•* 


*. . t 




> f*- •* L * 

"j.' •: 

* ■». i. 


i % r 

.. »• .» • • 

• 4 

.*• i ' s 

, , - < v-' ^ 


• # • _ . 
r- ' ^ 




'f. - - : 

. . ■* 


r." Vi* 

• r> ' f. . • •■’ | 

. . - - . — . 4 * J • 

. A.... —• - V * ‘ - ' 

i .. . •-■• ■ m ' »® rn 

. .. •£ . . h. 3 - - 

. *. : **■■'-* • *' *. . . .. . 

.• • * - *.:• f*:>- ; ‘ir* v‘'*' ’* *- 

- . . •* 


i* ■. ^ 

• K 

T n 




JL *. 


' * 

■ • 


f 


ad 


* * 

“ .... r.i ■ **' ■* 1 

« ' . * 

. . -.1 •• 


3i3S 


'* 


« % . 


■r r •* , 






• n a u *• •*-* > *' 




r 




a< j»‘.n 

> Iv . -jqr 




> r b:jr 




(• ^ 

• i;ron 


..i 

# . 


• a • • .i 

V * *- * : 

__ • 

5r 


« %• 




i > * : ' a >• 


.»/ . • 

i * 




• • 

. ** 


V ‘t •* 7 1 
' ^ - r 




< %• - 


. * 


. \ 


K7 . / 


: • ■ - * 
•. Aiii : 

• . . , * ", ;• , *« * • • . ’ » * 


«. • 


: •: 
» i , 


• * ' 


* SM * 




9 ^ 






• % * .* 
V »* « 4 » 






• A . 

*• V ‘ ^ 


toil 

•v 




• - •: 


• i 


J 4 . * 


t 

.r ( • +* 


■ kp •* - r T i ' ' . ,. * • 


. . : . r • r : . : :Zy- - : ; '* ’ 

it ■ ;• ; • • 

.. % ' • i 


N >- 


- > - 


i • 

1 . 3 i L ' J 

s • • * 

« • 1 ft 


f . 


-•••-• • 


. 

i 




• • 

•j 

*; * 


O 

Li • a/' • 

..i.ir- . * 


' : v; v 3 I # 9IV©ii J HT-i »* 


.• *- 


*• ^ * r 




- aj. 


. * 4 

} f f <a * r — f *4 J 

*Ai oi 


i 


/. » •? 




* 

.. i 


• *# i 


• * 


— n 


i»rr 






T* 


Imt a 


ov;^ e 




• A m.U 


r J K 'j r 123 «/• 

J A J J V 4 • ^ 


v^n cw aa 


o2 







£7 


cago's "protest forums." Perhaps a different observer, with different 
notions of what is "protest" or "liberalism" would offer a different 
categoty. He defend our own only because we find it useful. It has 
helped us to see how some folks who find the status quo radically wrong, 
and belong to pressure groups or other organizations, find the forum a 
means of propaganda and recruitment. On the other hand we- can see - 
especially in ecclectic forums - how people who have a "kick coming," 
but who prefer to talk about it rather than to do something about it 
(or who think talking is the only thing that can be done at the present 
time) find forums useful. 

The forums seem as important socially as they are intellectu¬ 
ally. They give people a sense of importance, a sense of belonging. 
This is particularly nocessary in the Loop and among the bohemians or 
hobohemians where the ordinary social groups, like the family, the 
church and the club do not exist. 


* 


-i •« - 


_ : iz- 




•• \. 


* 4 


1 ' » • * 


* f : .: * 

, 'j • 


# v 

«. • 


- V 1 : ,*.vv •«i' ; ' 

. •: ' ' • - **k - ^ - : - ' 

i . : i'.yV'. -:f ■ ... •" ';.-: 

, . ■ v . . ■ •• . 

♦ i ' ' • ' ' " . * ,* • ^ 1 1 

- • " .- * : • • f l "■ ' \ 

ft ; J; f ' ' . ■ ’ 


93? t>;> • i " c-r. >L o<S zr.o to 


• • •• • 
l . ?. •* 


«. r /-* r 






pff.-- atai.r* odw it') 

-tv 3 - 'U -■■'• - {sal* 

- , , • • . i ■* 4 ‘ • ' • 

-** * • 

• • f .* • • . . * 

^ ^ ^ ^ * * • 

* - • itu it uii V - • : 


or. 


if •.: - :*U ,eqs:v^ i/>*&*? - 


1 r •» 


• v J - «- 

aKrt 


•«.; t \c*;Vx rzo.zct 


V I 


% 
















CHAPTER V 


"THE FORUM '70RLD" 


J-mAHO 


TT 

« 


»GJ£G~ UUHO" i'tT 1 ' 



58 


It has already been seon how extremists from all parts of the 
city were attracted to the early settlement house forums, intended as 
neighborhood organizations, and made the group their own. Some of these 
came seeking an education which had been denied them in their youth; 
some sought a critique of current events. To others, the forum’s major 
attraction was not the opportunity to gain knowledge, but to dispense 
it. The radical or the reformer who has, a perpetual axe to grind, or 
hobby to ride, eagerly seizes upon the free forum platform. Others use 
the froe platform, (one forum director said) "to decorate egos." They 
are those to whom discussion is a form of recreation, a sort of intel¬ 
lectual jag. They discuss - as some folks play golf - to relax, or - 
as some folks get new-model cars - to sho\? off. They may be concerned 
primarily with the ideas they are articulating or with the very process 
of articulation itself, and with the audience it commands. But whether 
they start out by having something to say, or by having to say something, 
they eventually develop a great mental hinterland, and a comparative 
facility with words. They are the "intelloctual virtuosoos” out of whom 
successful heckling is made. 

They are the habitual forum hounds - the typical ’’Bugs,” the 
regulars at most of the protest forums, and the occasional visitors at 
the more respectable forums. Every time a forum free-lancer opens shop 
in the Loop or on the near north side - whoever he may be or whatever 
his purpose - his crowd of ’’first-nighters,” the nucleus of members, 
seems to be about the same, and the regular lecturers are practically 
identical. (Dr. Ben L. Reitman can be counted on the officiate at every 
opening and to bring a "Sociological Tour" or two with him; the other 
frequent speakers include John Laughman, so-called "King of Soap Boxers”; 
Bertie Weber, his colleague in "Christ Killing"; and Sam Ball, con¬ 
scientious and popular self-made historian. "Professor” Prank Midnoy, 
Reuben Menkin, and Dave Tullman are also among the regular home-talent 
lecturers. 


Cranks and psychopaths also abound at these forums, because 
they are given an opportunity for self-expression and are tolerated here 
more than elsewhere. 

These forum habituees - the truth-seekers, the truth-tellers, 
the rag— chewers, the cranks, and all the others whom wo have not dis¬ 
cussed - come to develop, because of their mutual interests and fre¬ 
quently because of then lack of contact with the more conventional soci¬ 
al groups, a "world" of their own. 

The forum world emerged out of the common bond of protest of 
the sundry non-conformists, A major characteristic, then, of its found¬ 
ers is their criticism of the status qua, though individual members vary 
in the method and direction of their criticism. But just as the early 
intellectuals of the New York socialist movement were identified with 
the bohemians of Greenwich Village, so were these groups marginal to 


85 


artt to adxsq XIs aoxt edeimsxdxs wori nosa nasd yfiasnla sen dl 
\& bebnedni .ananot ©awori daamalddaa 'si*iso arid od iedoaidda siaw \tlo 
eaa/i s '■to .orao8 \mo ilerid qptft&ptoittom.■.&*■< f *Mott*a toe&io boo^o 

•teuov rMf &l i^dr l^rta^b s^d t>&&. rioiriw. abtte?vt>9-i& •*•*> 

•zotSK 3 ‘nttnol ©rid- , Si ©rid* ■ 0*: *sd.;*vo. da©TW > ©wpidiio s d : ' •'"- :r 
©*«««» Jtb bet dritf %*3fe©Xw&ariai©s .od ^Jtoattoqqo ©rid• doff ■«* w 
no hat t: - - od axs Xsfiwdacpaqjl > «jsri. 0 f(w .ifi<n , xpl©'i eifd lisoi&fii-«<*••*».« .. 
•«xr siaridO 

voxfl «,30;4Q ©VmooebMJidMb**© lOdoaiifc mixia'l Prio) .anoliaXqf •«» 

-Xo.tni to dioa * .oo-xijsoaiai to ..mot a ai aoieaiip&tb m #x * 

- TO # XJC?91 Od - tX©$ >&3lq- 83*101 Sl?08 345“ 321X03^' V^riT : . 

Awrxooooo ®d vm Y,3rfT .tto vrorie od - sxbo labca-fec da^ * 
g8M ■ ridiw io*-£nidaXwoidT3.?ir. \;arfd siso&iPrid piw itfl-MBiiq 

. . isnanrfd-d 1;©o ft a 1 £wb orid rid iv baf no 1 dsl*rc 

• • V1 r.^ri- x<! *&> ^ P* gttlridamoe snivsr. dm 

ovlimB<pOD a hit* jbn&tevdatd fritum. jM&i& © qoXevob xXIawdaGvj -prid 
taoriw to ii/o “eeoaotfdi tv ImSoalZatnt" .Q/id .pdT .sM-oW ridivr ^Hloat 

.* •* '!. .oJbain eJ aoiXafo^ 

t * • ■*■*•- • .. / . . t ; • * . . 

' . ■ , .. ; • f ., ,. . . .» 

or; I-Boiq^d ©rid - abmmri auric t laudltfari ‘©rid aio ^ei'rr- 

da eiod^sdv lajsoiaabdO odd ban ,enurxor deodoxq ©rid'to daon da »iBlif§ai 
qoria aaoqo xeoriel^a ©it;am 0 1 a anid.^jx©*? .©afreet. aldadoeqa©* ©ion arid 
xovodnrin xo erf ©ri'TL9V90X1© - 'rii?TPri ;afe©ri- crfj-’a© to qcol ©rid ai 

t axocrom to edoXoxrn \\c : ‘b* vie 

• .• ix•>':yoX • xAXn-gQx ©rid r,n.--:'' * $W-a i add-' dwarf©' arf od amo©» 
^xav9 da Jdaiotti-o ’©ddono' J&todriyoo '©rf,.;^^.^*^-^.:^, *•'-• •* x ^) ♦Xaoidnabl^ 

xarido ©rid ;«lri rid t* owd xo ; tt xjifp^ .’X* c, X^oXoioO’ •' 

•**!©jcoa qsoZ 16 ^ baXIoorP.8 •; t ii6tnri^tft5tX flriqL ©bi/ioa! ©x-e^aqn. dnawp 

-rtco f Ufi& aLB'dib:isi ;»solXXiX..d©^^ At 9lr< ' • ■ • • '' '• ’ ' 

i\cnb iU v ^t©xt-;«xo^ 2 .ot cz-*■ .-^©iiodaid : adfwqoq i>ri« awoidftaioa • 

da©lsd~©ffiori xsld^oi -©rid. qnor.d ,o?Xs ox.f?. ri^gtXljjt''. ©vjsG bn« '»nl3te«M carfx/dH. 

■ ■•• .« • 

aewnosj ,e«rrxot ©aarid da iwurorfio ceX'ri aridaqo'rioY&ii bn© aatoexO . .,•> .;. 
oiari badmalod oxs bfts flolssaiqpca-tiaa 10 1 x *inirdioqgo ao no-. 

.. . ,;..... ...... . . 


t sx 3 IIo?-x{>ut: arid t sx©al©ae-ridirtd ©rid -'li©©xfdIriari-©aeriT . > * 

, 82iXXi3XO I fid < SXOW.3ri©?^fl? ©rid 

^ : ©daoxad«i X^&d^s xiodd to aairaoarf .qoiovafc od omoo - be 
.• / ©rid rfdiw. doadnoo to afonl'-dv^.f- • ©sx«o©ri;.lXdo«Pp 

. , .... : ‘triad ■ ■•' :' ■ •.' , , • ; ; ... ■ 


to deodoxq to brtoo noramoo arid to dlW fia^iotao blxow au/iot ©riS 

r.nxriic xotfiffi * ' •3dViflnotfio3r-fioa 'vxbfldi© ©rid 
\ttav aqerf/ffent I^ew&rvibni rigworid ,owp ewd^da arid to nieioidixo xierid si si© 

I r *fiie.ioidlix3 trlarid' to’ riofdoeiib bae-J^orideai ©rid ni 
ridiW i^Pitidflobi ■© 10 '.^ Vnaaiovow .deiisirios aJxoY ©©K-aifd! 1t> 

■. ?■./-.03 i©£6XXiV riodwnootr-D . to aqnifflQ 




59 


each other in Chicago. Cross-fertilization of ideas also occurred he-, 
tween free-thinkers and the radicals who were attracted to their lec¬ 
tures. This "world" is characterized by a distinct set of habits of 
talk and attitudes of mind. Every member of this world is likely to 
know, or at least know of, most every other member-in good-standing. 

Many are identified by nicknames or by the "line" they are accustomed 
to "spout." In the life organization of each, the forum is important. 
They may depend on it for the satisfaction of their wishes for response 
and recognition; it may take the place of the family, the occupational 
association, the "cultural" organization or the recreation group. 

Even superficial acquaintance with this world reveals a univer¬ 
sal infatuation with words. Discussants seem more concerned often with 
words fitting each other than in their fitting the situation; . Epi¬ 
grams, epithets, alliteration and metaphor, wit and wisdom are the ave¬ 
nues to greater giory. While an independent vocabulary does not yet 
exist in this world, its vernacular is composed of a number of hackneyed 
puns and peculiar bromides. Thus one rarely hears of the Tribune or the 
Saturday Evening Post; one hears regularly instead " Spitoon 11 or " Satur¬ 
day Evening Pest ." A characteristic forum slogan directed at visiting 
professors, of the "Standard Oil University" is "There are fibs, lies 
and statistics." An abstract love of knowledge is often coupled with a 
disregard of the distributors of it, A respectable person who is held 
in utter disrespect by the forum entrepreneur will be invited to speak 
because of the opportunity for backfiring. Glittering generalities are 
popular for their glitter, rather than their exactitude, for forumites 
step in where academicians fear to tread. 

Positions of status based on skill in discussion exist although 
there is no unanimity concerning individual merits. Nevertheless such 
statements as "Eddie Clasby is the best master of ceremonies in Chicago" 
have been made even by his competitors. The elite are emulated by the 
neophytes so that it has been said, "M. tries to imitate the robust man¬ 
ner of the big he-man, like John Loughman" or "The speech B. gives is 
notoriously written by Bertie Weber" or "Macbeth gave a speech at some 
sv/ank fraternal order and took S. along to rattle his chains." 

Heckling is legitimatized in a discussion period which no fo¬ 
rum patronized by the denizens of the forum world is without. Given a 
pet notion which is sufficiently ingrained - be it concerning vivisec¬ 
tion or single tax or Christ - a forum hound will attempt to show its 
relevance to every other subject in the world, with particular reference 
to the subject scheduled for the evening. Those who are not "so far 
gone" also have a point of view which is not likely to change signifi¬ 
cantly over a period of time. Dr. Percy Ward concludes after thirty * 
years experience with forums that "Lecture fans do not read." Neverthe¬ 
less there is a tendency to quote authoritative writers or speakers, 
though distorting their meaning to prove ones own point. Five-minute 
speakers want to appear authoritative themselves, and Ben Reitman*s at¬ 
tempt in this regard has earned him the reputation of "the great hobo a- 








4 




: • 


/• 1 


• * • 


; •» *» f 
\ .► _ •* 


• • 


• • * 


#• 

«• •* 


I A »• 




• • «.■. 




4 W 


•' • ; 


•• r- / 


i-5 t 


SV< -iV-y u ** ' 

• 5. h 2.7: 


. ,t » ■ >•' 

' ** i • • 


'• 4 - 

i f <4 / v • 


•41 

• * 


;* / 


*• * -» r.f) *' 
. »; » • •• 


. v •• J. .H *, *' 

S. • * - - • 


- *;r* i 


» > 


• • 


•* •» 


f r 


*; Jk!*" :» 

* *■' * -* 


fl 


• 


A ■’ 


v . it. 




«. .» 


.1 


f.r ; 


h v '• - *3 •• 

♦ . »1 « 4. - v 


. 


w . *• ’ 


V - '» 


/ • 

% 

i 


•V 


} a 


ft* ^ * 

4 


» ir 


fnioip 
5nl p i 


t! 


4 » L* 


4 * 


r; 


\ . «;*4 >r. 


.. ...»• • X 

1 A, > 


% # 


I % 
# I 


...». •• ”* 


* i 'j £**'•••*' r; 

• • 


4 

• % 


% l •» 


" ■> . .•’* 


» . »» 


ai r ,Ln c1 


5 ft ’ * 


.y 




* 


* * 


W 1 






. /. i -f * 

*; r - -.: ; i i-ij; rrfVM 

fci . „■ **, : - : » --5 

• • i ' A 

. * ■) f 4 




7 > 
» ♦■ 


t *' 


b>i: 

* 


•# 


1 i V 4 


.. ...v •. y 

3 : 4 w- * - . 


»r 

4 C 


r»o v 




• V 




, • • •• \ • 

•- 


I 


.%• u - 




f * '•• -VV 


» *» • 


./*; i i' 


• t. 


V ’iA'T 


'i*A' 


■ I f rl^.l'* 

1 4 • 


• » 


< _ •. .» 




■ 1 cIf *iih ' 
o m atom r 


« . . ; . 

• •• ' . ;.. •/ X . •• 

# ' - f » 


f . 

f ? f * 
> 4 


Ji 


* • 4 « . • . * *> 

... »* .• .;•<.*»*:’ .. 
•i: .... ^ •• •' •' * * 






lh - . .. i — .* . •»' •* ' ^ 

v ‘ * 

.4- * - i •,• 


J c'r ^ - -* 


. . 


•*. f • 


u 


.. A 


4 «•; *•; »• 


*» »»*? . 


u 


"H -i 


■» f * " 

1 


J»* '■ 


,'i . 1 . 4 


A.-.: I*# 

\ - ■» ? «? <• 


'/ - 


to. 

i 




ry »» • • ^ t 

•lj f 




i . ■ ui 


'-W 


f *• •> 


o i • ^ •'* 

_ l * * 

- 


4 l* , 

i r l ; !• *' * 

Al'xi-#!*'. 

w •• V * I 


^ • 


! J..* 

^ I 


s> 


s - : j 


a * •* * 

„ . . . , »!.’•* 


I 


' i 

4 • 


i* 




i * . 

J r * 


i -4 


/ • * "*■ 




• . r; 




• # 

i •. 'V 

u r 9 »* • r ’ 


< .. 


« t 


. «• 
. ^ 


■ t * ' f ' ; '/ 


■V • 4 * 


u 


. . ■• *'• 


A •# 


: ■ . 

#.« i i w i 4* 4 


♦ 

-p 




r. •» 


*_» 


»»^ — 

, - v.. - <-,■•. v‘v-4 *• y 

i»‘| . 4 • 


w . •* 


. • * * 




» • 


. v’U A . ^ 

... *- 

L - M 4 AM f (< 4fC , ,V A '«••• ■ 
- ^3 1 4^» ■■ ‘.4 

i ei-Oi 'T-' 1 gi 

03 nOw'rr.-'W j,ib^S 

. 

a 1 * X 


f ■» '.• 


...*. ..»'* '*> ,• ' •"! k 

.. . . •« • ■ ^ * 


.* . 


•• 4 - 


• % 


V 


• . - • , 
A l.* * * 

I .« ■«• . *> * • 


* »• 


« . .*■»*-* 
N « 


* .» 


1% 

• • • » 


»> 


L ■ I 

• • • 


. , * • . 


^ • i 

# • • • 


.i I 4 




\ *• 


:'tO; 

f 


‘r 

A *1 


« *1 <- 


J'.. 


- / 




:/ ; xf * ^ 


'v >. 


ir*• 

•- ■ 


• • » 

: • ' 


« • * 


J|U 9 




« 




V »■ 


' x 

i ••> 




. * » 

• t 


<4 i 


4«kW - 


44. d J J: 


J.t 


. 1 . 


>'t * 




»»' 


* » * 4 


.1 l, 

• * * 


\ ; » 


*. ft 


^ 


n j i : yi 


t: r u; 


. , • " r • * 

. - 


4; 

* 


r? • »:, •• ' 'SX 9 * H 

^ . 4 ♦ y 


i • < 


: t ■'*.:/ 


• • / < 

4. ? 


* •» 


... V r 




.* * 
Vr 1 




1 3V0S. 


i8£3di l& -dJ XXJS 

* 

. ‘a • •>'’i i*D --’.v s yi 

' #l *T rt 

^ . * . J . ^<5 • CK U » *» 

r- c* »r r 


•» t 

-.. » 


a 

/ 


• . * . . » 4 • • 4 » 

. jT. C ■■ <■■ - > • 


: * 


,\. 


f : 4- 


: : : y‘*v -m 


' ^ ? i-f: 


v •»• 






* >».* 


•<■ - 

* 


/ ! 
V 


.. I 


' - .. 


II 


r ;;. V - 


•n 


. j •>.».? .• 




c. *. • 




■<■ IT i 

'f . .. - - 


/ « 


i :<• 


* * 
»• 


A« •»• 


V - 


JJu J 


r i • • • • 


• r. 








\! 


: . :> 


*•« 


r . 




.J r.i 




•u. * •; 


■•4 A-X 


i • • r* o i 


■ s . * - 


/ y •■ 


• 4 


I * 


V . ^ - 


.. . •>* 


4 4. 


»• 

0 


: : V- 


- ^ 






A • % 




• Jk 


.5 r 




j it 


r-1 


.V .Jr* * 


^ 4- ■ 


41’ "X 0 




5: 




A: 


*7 '4>-J 
I; H 

a. <.. 


- 1 *> > 

^ }. . _ . i 


'.. *• »■ v* 

;: . i > * - 5* 

' ■ z* 


» a 
. $ 


.i *s 


• k' 


V X 


; v . 

; i 


t i • 


V x . r- 


.• i » ■ "• 


V. , l 


I- ■ » 


. w 




. r> » I . 

r> I *• A 


i . A- 4 

*• • _ ■ 1 • 


I*. •* 


r I I 


IX 


r-,..- v 


k *. • 


do 3 

' 

0 : / ; 'ITT -ov:' 


t ♦ 

• %• 

. ; 


: V 4. 


*? .* '/ Y 
v-.< . '• * 

'» » 4 

I %* • • A 


v * 1. ♦. a.: * 

t 


Chi 


> i T * % . “ » 




I • • 


%*>. ' C.. 

3 t ' •*• 


• .4 ■ 


■ j s r' '•> 
» ** 


• i 


t• * 


**? 

* V. 


f / * i 

• 


>i; jcou: 


* '. ■ 

.»»••?« 
: -- • ■ 


->J v«. 


. V * 


•> « 

*. i 


• • - 


.*' 4 - r *• * i x 

• — _ 

, y 


if 


i ff* 


: J*’ 


•) ‘K x 




. • j . 


v> 


*.»»*■ 


4 . * r f\r 

p $ i. - V^V 


*. J *c> 


•• % 


. 4* 


ir r » *4 




♦ tt 




i»v 


S > + 33i i • 


4 

^ W. 


*1*V » . w* J A 


. • : t • r ' 

. « » * "i • 

" •# r» o -r rf r? A 

. . • • l v . W > . *, 

m »»v »,*••: * •■* 

O v . 


Cv 


I 4 


. . -. 

-* l 


• • ’ 


I 4 *. 






60 


raong sociologists; the great sociologist among hoboes.” 

Despite all this, ideas are subject to an intellectual vivi¬ 
section such as would offend the sensibilities of any but a native of 
the forum world. 

Thus the visit ?/ith the denizens of the "forum world" is ter¬ 
minated. Of course not all those who attend protest forums fit the 
descriptions presented above. Nor is it intended to imply an intellec¬ 
tual flippancy to all programs* Quite the contrary is frequently true, 
and our picture is more descriptive of some forums than of others. No 
group, however erudite, is held together by disembodied intellectuality 
alone. Least of all is this true of the forum world. 




oa 


Tl .esodort Jai^clsiooe es*J jeJaisoXoioos jjfior 

■ 

"io ovictxsn b jx/rf lo aaiJilitfignae arfj JbnaYio fclco.w nr> rfoi/e noi*ooa 

.i>Xiow sxrxoY ©riJ 

-t:©^ al ’‘J^X'xow umoV’ oxlJ “io Bosxlnab a 

# Jit wonot J««Joiq JtaaJjV oi w.paoriJ II: ty* 6a-:uco tC .JbaJaaiia 
r b&baeidl iX ai- ioH- ..e.votfB a jb© .• v.'Ucriioaof> 

,«(/!} dJ: ^iBSJac o c».tirp ^wwiiscPxq IIb oJ >pnBqqiIl XmrJ 

lr ■ • 

XJJtXfixrJc© 'I Ki$i Jb©ibo<fo®elb'*5anV.J fcXaxi si isv >wod # qx/OT* 

Jblrrcw nunol ©rU to 9irtJ eirii 8.t IIs lo Js.es-J .enoXa 


V k 




















PART III 


NON-PARTISAN COMMUNITY FORUMS IN CHICAGO 


Chapter VI Pre-War History of Non-Partisan Community 
Forums in Chicago 


Chapter VII Non-Partisan Community Forums in Chicago Today 



- •• e\. ■. ' 1 V' 1 > •'* 

TU TSAN ..' 

[ ' - 



Xiin:sm>o3 .xr.i i ;x i = c x-r.;.- lo \tojaiK v,***®*? IV 

V r . 


v e^ssfriO ui e-ainol ^JirxvrunoO nea i;t xe^-ztoK IIV 'T-.jlqf.'i'O 






CHAPTER VI 


PRE-WAR HISTORY OP NON-PARTISAN COMMUNITY FORUMS IN CHICAGO 


Community Center Forums 
at Olivet Institute 
at Jewish People's Institute 
Church Forums 
Sinai Forum 

Fred. Atkins Moore and Three Pre-War Forums 
Foruns of Civic and Soni-Social Organizations 
Swedish Educational League 
Mon's City Club 
Summary Comments 




IV SUT^O 

ooaoiho hi &moi Y-cr: lo. kabiisamok 10 ihctcjk awr-m 


arun< •? i»$n®0 '{JixjjcaoO 

. ■■ 

vi titBel ; a 1 aXqosSt tftiwot 

■ . ! . - 

ewcl l*ni& 
s mheST bm -fte oM fa&fctA ooil 
I 

' j- _ . • • 

’^rtoamuB 











61 


CHAPTER VI 

PRE-WAR HISTORY OF NON-PARTISAN COMMUNITY FORUMS 
IN CHICAGO 


There are three main sources of non-partisan community forums 
in Chicago: 

1. Settlement houses and community centers 
2; Churches and synagogues 
3. Civic organizations 


Community Center Forums 

Olivet Institute Forum 

We have already considered the pioneer settlement house forums- 
the Social Science Club at Hull House and the Free Floor at Chicago Com¬ 
mons. A more recent pre-war forum of the same sort was that of the 
Olivet Institute, a Presbyterian mission located at various addresses on 
the near north side (and now at 1441 Cleveland Avenue). Here, by about 
1910, the Public 7/elfare Club was established. It was not known as a 
forum until at least five years afterward, but it used the forum proced¬ 
ure all along. 

Reverend Norman Barr, the director, believes firmly in free 
speech and democracy. To him these are operational concepts to be de¬ 
fined by the forum method. Accordingly, the significent aspects of his 
forum philosophy and practice are: 

(1) The transfer of form leadership to someone 

in the community: 

Dr. Barr himself is present at his forum meet¬ 
ings, whenever possible, but he feels that 
chairmanship and directorship should be 
delegated to the local citizens for whom 
the forum is conducted. 

(2) A discussion period, wherein members of the 

audience may contribute impromptu few- 
minute addresses on the scheduled subject: 

To follow the speaker's presentation only with 
questions is to emasculate the meeting, 
he maintains. 



rv 


..... ... 

OOaOIHO * I 


a -ttn- 'i x^iauaanoo ruDEXJiEq-non lo ssoiuoc Q®" 1 -' ' Id - ^ ^ 


nlO *1 

-r. . , ,'Ji - V •,.: ■ : . •'•’"••■ 

&& 

anox iLr.iassfeio cuviO »C 


. 

/; rzr.i tfovlIO. 



‘O artt 

.axiom 

to J.P|IJ ct!V( J-AU« ' • ■ . ” . . i, .... , , , 

...••• . ’.> i. . • • ■■ •• • . • 1 ■ I 

ao 

4 ' ’ " ' ■ 4 . -r ,0181 

. XW ' 

lie snu 


JevilO 


' 

4 ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■' ' ‘ ' ' 

ini ’’ . 


doasqe 
o or. ;1 

; 0X6 


f ' a ' 

.. • :*.* i : • ■■■ " ; ‘ " ' ' * 


(I) 


i \ ' . *• r ' ' v ' 

tB 


•’ ; 



... . . 


■ ;' 

: * " : “ ; / ' J 

C : v ‘ • .■ - ■ j - - ■ ; 

... ...... ... ,-.i. ..: 

.^ 

,znlt! rl ... i i 


(S) 





• 62 


(3) Welcome and tolerance to an unlimited public, 

including social pariahs: 

As seems to be universally true, the more 

liberal of the community were attracted 
to the forum, while the reactionaries were 
not. Moreover, radicals from all parts 
of the city are drawn to a froo platform 
as bees to honey. When socialists came to 
Olivet, they received a respectful hearing 
from the community audience (composed of 
immigrant workingmen of northern European 
nativity), but anarchists were somewhat 
taboo. Dr. Barr attempted to treat all 
guests - regardless of political complexion - 
with equal impartiality. 

(4) Constructive community action on the basis of 

forum discussion: 

The early forums were concerned mainly with 

domestic economic questions and community 
problems. In the latter field, on issues 
like saloons, prostitution and elections, 
the forum groups found ample opportunity 
for post-discussion projects. 

But the Reverend Mr. Barr believes in pacifism as woll as free 
speech and democracy. So when the first Olivot Forum was organized in 
1915 the new (and present) headquarters * the war in Europe was freely 
discussed from all points of view; it never ceasod to be a controver¬ 
sial issue, even after the United States had entered. (Mr. Barr propa¬ 
gandized his pacifism on pulpit, forum, and street corner despite the 
threat of prosecution.) But since the neighborhood at that time was 
Goman, and its residents feared being suspected as pro-Kaiser, they 
shied away from discussion. Conscientious objectors to the war, however, 
welcomed the opportunity to articulate their protests at the Olivot Forum, 

fT] Part of the congregation remained at the old location (Halsted 
and Veddor Streets), but the now sponsors were unable to continue the 
established forum for very long. Apparently they lacked the knack of 
forum-conducting; moreover, the Italian people (who were fast moving 
into the neighborhood) wore here as at Chicago Commons not very respon¬ 
sive to the discussion technique. 




sd 


J. ■ o j raoolaW ( 

; . q i‘- . Ioj:- 

O'lOril tr'i .i-LTlZ y,U.J3ii'XvVtSW CJ 0* &n*&0 ZA 

eiiJ l.o Sevac'ti 


■ i 'y. . 

\ ‘ ; ■ -i/iVs.*'.. : tj 


\ : ' ': ‘ f 

tv 80 i'J • •'i-? 

• : . b, .• V«£)10 ■ . ‘ 

, , oiit- lo 

-1 o. ■ ■ ■ . ; v= 

• ji . '; >ifc !■ I s * 

. " • «'■■...• 
aaaqo'tuE •aci.oj^ao^ ( 'l ! j, " ■■■ 

■ .r . * :: B 

. , . , ; ■ T r ■. 

' ' - ■ ~ >JjfJ , . V 

••.-.V . . '-.'J':'}, * J’f'ptir*TjJrt. , 

... .. •• -;;■■■ J- ,_, v : ., 

lo ©iaedi no acXfoi ~C ' ”' ' wt: 

.->1 • 

dttw CjsXbr frjmo - : ; . . . 

‘ >■ • ■ V 

•: • • .. \ } -- -Ti:V;: •;. 

J , t « ( ■ '. . •' '• ; f.i :■ 

■*/ . • } .« t . -• 




octtI 

ni 







ss'iocyyb fc.i3 


.^oooqPv 


od* 31 e I 


[low CB jrtai-liojo^.-ai .soyc/Xocf' oftt i 

ilnB&io asw nujfot toyiXC ^ali'l xj^^rit/dw oS v ^os'iocfttf; 
tXoo'i't saw : • * 8itotno^onq boo) won 

-l&vmtaoo o od . Qst: b©Q^ycc ■ moti i.>.r.si/oeib 

.. Ti'sfl-.att) ..'k-bo^foo jbijxi. ’ ; ■ *■• ■ 

••• ■ ■ ' •• > yA • . ; . .y-;.- ■: : ,1 [.v : . j . OBJ? 

: . ; ... ■■ • 

• . ' t aaOToO- 

. . ‘ . bfadtoikiti}! i+ifoleteuQi s:s«w> be.‘ 

* J u . 3 , ’i v , .-'T htfSiii » ■■■Iqi a;3 Xm'uj’-'-.c- .. 




H 


i • ' 

l A ) 


naa 


' - ■ . ' . . ’ • ,• 

• •• • . ■ - 'I ldqO ; Vftifi' t* .• ; , , • . 

lo jfoomi . .iOBX \ciill xi»:i:sx A .;>rrc f io - mtiiol . <dzl'l U :e.-j 

sai’vQiu Xas'l 'otow o.-Cqaa^ - , ^wvoetorr* ;§niJ-oi;bjioo»4Knot 

al 

u 


wr “ — >r T.'tTv V TT*JL W . ..-V * 1 *.* V¥ « - v % ■* .» • * ./i . ft 

-no<ja©T v*tov don axtox^gpC -jpiiA ' ’ ' ? €i 1 qw (.bood* c . 

. •'. ■ * - ■. ■ ■ y ■ . J . . . 








63 


The war brought a realization of an international interdepend¬ 
ence to which America was no exception and foreign affairs began to as¬ 
sume prominence on forum programs. Then after 1929 depression came, the 
community seems to have developed a greater response to forums and to 
have had more time to devote to them. By 1933, it was possible to have 
three forums a week, the audiences of about thirty-five at each sesson, 
by 1936 there was a forum an evening, and a regularity of topic for each 
evening of the week. Thus the schedule ran: 


Monday: 

Tuesday: 

Wednesday: 

Thursday: 

Friday: 

Saturday: 


International Affairs 
Economics, Industry, Government 
Lectures of the Series Type 
Ethics, Philosophy, Morals, Religion 
Biography, History, Travel 
Arts, Literature, Sciences 


These programs were in the charge of six volunteers, each responsible 
for one day of the week. These special chairmen, invited by Mr, Barr 
from among the audience, frequently did not live in the immediate com¬ 
munity, but were forum habituees from the neighboring hobo or other 
areas. They conferred with Mr, Barr every Monday concerning the next 
week’s program. 


1316 local audience was composed largely of foreign (German, 
Italian, Hungarian) middle-aged workers (or unemployed) in the low in¬ 
come or relief groups. There were always some irregulars, however, who 
happened to be interested in a particular evening’s program. Undoubted¬ 
ly the fellowship available at the forum was one of the attractions, as 
it is anywhere. Some of the less idealistic probably came "to kill 
time." Mr. Barr characterizes them for the most part as "seekers after 
rather than promoters of ideas," At any rate, they did not seem eager 
to participate in the discussion periods, although they attended several 
nights a week. * 


Forums At tho Jewish People’s Institute 

The present Institute Lecture ForUm was launched in 1911 as 
the Chicago Hebrew Institute’s lectures series. Neither in name nor in 
method was it originally a forum. It was not until 1927 that meeting 
announcements read "Open Forum Discussion will follow lectures." The 


* When Mr. Barr left the Institute in May, 1937, the forum began to 
dwindle. In the summer months, it was reduced to one meeting a week, 
and it never completely revived. The prosent management is seeking to 
initiate an entirely different forum program in November, 1933, with tho 
assistance of the Adult Education Program of tho W.P.A. and the Board 
Education. 




ca 


-bflSsptaeJai iDnoJttsniodni ob to nolJ&slLcsQ 'r s 4ri8i:oid Tew srfl 
-as etf aesatf aTistts n^i&xot \bob n-oi4q»oxe oc saw box-: . aa *'» 

odt , a:neo aoi ^ae'iqsfc Sf-ti naifT . dmxjtyortq iwriol no •oneninoi 3 eraf« 

oj b::x 3 asBJTot od _ ,/. : ’’ ••^ 

9Vi (i Ov ; i ::• ;•: a'. . r.S/i-t o;f 1 - f-U»' 'S'; *’■ bad 

.noaaea xlaed J.=: :v; .••. i t " . . ' s amuT 9 * e 

&obo xot oiqol to iv 

• tnar 9 Ijjjb 0 .-i .93 6iiv BifJiT ■ - to 

aiiattA XBnoijfljnWni 
IBievoO ,v xiei'Inl ,aoijaooooSE 
. 29i*3re2 »ji4 to .fioxtf408J 

Xioi&iiftft ( &£moiM «aoliI>2 ;y/:l>aujxfr 

IeV£T? t vio4slH ..vfiq^i^oiH .‘TpBf>iT$ 

Booaajto.c ,equiaTetfiJ ,c4tA ixsfrrt/JBS 

©Xdlaaoqasr dose f 6*rao4niilov xJts is e&r • - •- 

'iibS .tM fcs42vni ;aojfraiBxlo Isxoeqe 9E0tfI «Meaw eri4 to xs£ eao lot 
-moo oaeiboj-uri art* ni ;.. ( - :;■.;; ■; • . ' moat 

tottto to odo.l sntToddsiaa 8/fcf wort goofedlcfed .'aiaot stow Jird ^ttaum 
4X9X1 orfd Sfliirxobaco YSbOGil YTOVO TiaS «*tii 114iwf»lT9ta03 V-idP .809X8 

■•.^iiaTq ft’atMW 

,;:: ■ v SrD) rxgic/tot . . f. •oeonOD :w :>n >' **tfP 

-Ti wol 0d4 -iif tc) ...TwiTOW • ..O.-H t fl8llfl4l 

arfw 4 Tov®woii ^aXBjj/jjOTTJt 9tno8 8%jm*Xa stow eredT *aqxJox 3 toiloi to moo 
-botduobitiJ .rvsxsoxq u ’anXnuy.fc TaX.:oi4TBq j?. ax JbodsaTejajc ed od I .■?. oq-Tad 
f 

XXJtlf 04” 91080 \^IdfldOTq 8861 SrfJ.to OiilOo ' .adoiiwyiie «i -ft 

xe$fts ste^ee” &a ;: . ■. ; ■ t eesiadJ >siBfio vibS . 

X 0399 31908 tfoa &it -yarfd . ( 94 b$ vxls 4A " *BjBobi to BTe^oaoiq nexid xoxftox 
I8X9T08 f>obao?i-B xvdt i-^iod) 1 z- •abpixeq noissao&it ad4 ni s4Dqjtoi4x»q oi 

^ ‘. ’• • . ■ »tr s «4.. 



a4u4i4cnl a’oXqooq deivraX cri4 JA e.mrxo’E 

eo 1161 al fesdonioil arv; •^a , io‘*i 100 J ' oJa' 4 i ^srrl lajEyrq o»fT 

ni tor. omna ni TyrfSi i-1. ’.zetw :1 • .rid 

t XI " V : a - 

•iff ***8ow4o©X woXXot XXjtw aoiaeiroe 0 


o4 ttsaetf mi/Tot cri4 ,V5ei .Yci: at o&uitt&al arid ttol txsS ,tM aoA W * 

I ... - ,...;.• 

o? raiX^ia-u ei 7a • d:.•*;':•• .3-. . -. 'o odT .i'.cviv.T vi r . tqmoo tovuii 4i £>na 

odd d42w ,85£*£ . ' 1 m&yiq, t s . . 

tnaoQ. oat bcte. oa'i.-to icp-a^oTi x'.oiJxoxfot ;IxtcA dd 'lo 0 fljj 4 eip .88 

' • • .noi^oojjfeS 







64 


lecture program was originally similar to a University Extension Course. 
But by 1917, lack of wide support made it necessary to change the pro¬ 
gram to a more popular sort "for the benefit of those who are not quite 
ready to take advantage of the type of course” formerly presented. 

Since then a wider public has been sought. 

Most of the early speakers were professors from the University 
of Chicago. All of them were well known people. Still individual lec¬ 
tures were only 10#. 

After nine years’ lapse, the Wednesday program was reopened 
in 1927 as the University of Chicago International Relations series 
(emphasizing political and controversial rather than cultural themes). 

In 1928 it became the Institute Lecture Forum. Although first in its 
area, this forum must compete today with numerous other neighborhood 
lecture and discussion groups. Assisted by the Adult Education Council, 
the Institute secures leading local lecturers "with an expert point of 
view." The present admission charge is 25# although the majority of 
the audience hold season tickets. 

Most regular and persevering of the many other forums which 
have been established at the J. P. I. in the last ten years is the 
Sunday Five O’clock Forum . It is a smaller more sociable group than 
the Wednesday Institute Forum, with a longer discussion period. Origi¬ 
nally it devoted all of its sessions to topics of Jewish interest, but 
the trend is away from ah exclusively Jewish agenda. Almost without 
exception, the members of the audience are Jewish, however, and from 
the neighborhood - as is the express intention of the sponsors. Of the 
150 or so who come,about 75 per cent are very regular. The values 
different people seek from this forum are roughly categorized by the 
director thus: 

1. Warmth - Homeless drifters, roomors in the 

neighborhood who especially appreciate 
the social atmosphere. 

2. Dispute - Paole Zionists vs. Zionists, 

Communists vs. conservatives, Trostkists 
vs. Stalinists. 

3. Recognition - "Intellectual snobs" who want 

it known that they attend a forum. 

4. Education - Those to whom becoming further 

informed is a major concern. 


Church Forums 

Religious agencies in the city of Chicago do not seem to have 
sponsored forums till just before the war. It is interesting (and 
unusual) however, that an Evanston Church led the way by about ten years. 




• • 


t 


% 


’ . *4 


V. 


t, , 

. . s .V 


t • 


? V 

. .• •» 


.•{** * * ' »*** • 

. .. 


X ». •. . . 


/ > / 


> i 


» . * v 
* % • 


) .w 


•> 

< . 




-1 


i 4 


’ ?' % » ‘ * 


/• — . '* 
*• •.... 

* •% 


• « • * •• • » • . » 

*• * • • * * • ' V* H 

• ' . * ;V ;• 1 V ?. 4 


r oO ir * : at 1 •xsixiAte' v.f • \tzo- : z« 

* 7 • - . • * •• 


' : : ' iv- • : r r ; * o s • '* n % ' • o * * 


otirwcTq aTiiJoex 

; • * * ■ i 


i ■: ■. y . v'vr'i •* 

efiup foa wa o.isv • • . ■ jrrc "r-orf •■"• 

ai-iq Ylam;;not 


t 

* ■ 


* • ■ 


ii •» 




( C • * « i ' 

-Of 1“ jl*■.. \ vx 


•* 

***" .■ 

/• *• 

* > V 


-U Xi- 


' t ' 

* • • j 


- i 


f. ! 


M »e r /.J/C'5 'to 9','Y.J a'i-J Vj 0'-4C^n.tr"‘/f)r, r' GJ r.T ’{ii*** 

■ • ; • * r >J : ” #• 

• i: . • x. r j ■; . v ; /•.' 

a ■« a ■ •• # j s % **-# \ 4' i V. 9 * * ^ ^ # « • •• * f | ^ ^ # J 

* * 30-£ ; ' ; ’ '* ' - 

‘ ' W . " io-lik :r: '0 16 

■* / • ■ ,, , ^ ^ w , ( 

•' 5'i • -• '* '■ •!•''' J - v 1 - J -■ ■’ ; --.\-O i f x ^xCn fe'tdw 4 

-;j.i: .o f -i r' _• r 


• oiiiv - to. ,:f -. * y^'' •• ’ - 

* : > - 1 ■■ ■ • ; ■ ; -■ •■••• . *■ - : ‘io : t 

\ - • ■* • A: i i ■■■■ • ^ " 


: ■ 1 * V 
X *.*4 


/ c 


rti hi ia-tiy d&todJLA . uriot. *»*u.i.oej g I vet t tJL 


QUvi 




,1-apis 


f 4 r « 


... . - - y* -* . 

• •••«•*’ • •• * •’ • 

> a U v ,XvJLtfi vfi J YU */v J C» 1 • • . viQ' vv ' 


a o i;.: f. ; j ■ ’• ■;••'• '•• ■*• •; •' 1 r ••£ - > .•■■ 

” : ’ J ■'•■■•• v -& ■ ■' 


If ■ v J' >j*i w • - ** * - :- v 

'» '(« , . • —V - W*. ... 'w —' • « — Ml > > • • » .>•». «>• . 




« 




« — 

I • t 




, * i ■" ’ ! . * ' » • * i ■ .1 ^ . • N *" • • it, 

' •— v ■' r •' ;c ~ • -;• - x -*• ^ - * 

r •• • ■• y , ■! J ** . •’ u s •••'»• * 

1 - • i * 1 T «• y ■ r:l •• r «*• T'dil *• X r '! 

f J *• *4 > ^ I « , V A/ *- ‘ i > i. V * 

> ; ; • ' ' ; i • ft • * - # * - ■» . * •• •* 


f /» ° •* * 

» 


' 7 
r •• * 




‘>y. * ; v t f •• 


.. ..i 


♦ • C/ /• ^ : • •' 4 .f r» r "t ' ** i. ' : \ • * j v - * 

- :: • • * • 1 ■ ■ •'" fa Sifj §e;i? • ' v • 

:: • ■ * § • ■ ’ ' 

/ •* ; 0 '• • .V } *.' . ■ 1 ■ - • . • - * . • ••y* 

cf t #e f rfe a vvoL lo bo.. -oj:p^£)^ c.ix £ • £>r>i ! ' : k ‘ : 

; j : l if : •• ■ v • : ; • •' ■ 

♦ eno«xioc;R 


FIO" j 




e.i? 10 




n 


♦ - 


r>d'j 

* -8 




» 




• • • • ' : * • 1 

• ^ 

# f * >• * '. • * r r 1 Y« *»>•• ‘jf lY .• ,* ••!• ^ I . . -M , - 

. iU f v - 


— \. 


« D < 

« >. • — 


ff A 




x r. 
1 0 


‘iiar 


. • t 

hi A 




» j- 




V J IXM. 


^ ^ . I ‘ 4 | ^ i ^ • — 

;. • ; vv ... .-o ;/ -r ; - w ... ? i 

/ S X f . ; 7*X^ i .... . * ! ?*• v ;; ;i *• ; -',A 

■.."a' >«i • ;• • f / • 

) - ...’Vi"GV*TwL;ioO .K'v' 2l~.i If/iGi.iOC 


V 


•* • # » 


(fHOK ( ; V / 


• • . v * 

■» • . 

* • • i ^ . i». 


P ri 


*r 


,:-.J .X 


■« 


T-v 




J G 


' 4 


/* 


it rfiooo’Q' *rx;^w * 


V . 
< . 


. ; 


.... A. WI t. X* . r . % , 


L:..:- ■:■ K 

i fiVfcri 

:' - ff4 c '}!:*:3t .5 

* . • 

. * ' i | 

a. X ' Ua 4. '• 


« w 




• * ^ 


• ^ * * 


< . •; ! 
► V *4 *. * V 


# * *«• 








f 4 


‘ . 4 


r t 

■ 


»rrf r\ 

I A V A • » V 


* 


©Tin 


Jw’JOc* \t Oi ( 

xx ogr.o i 

riO 

to \ii o .viU ni 

•oioxio 

Sa aooxsiXoH 



.:■} . u.ri 

si 


♦iv wit a^rol 

'jc f rf’awt 

XI: e y.u/’i o't feoi oe noq ?, 

, . : 

ft rl 

« • v 

3 iuodu yo 

Cj L) 

i)'.t 

•I tiOTX/i J BOtBi 

leva xu' 

'o./orf 




65 


Frank McCulloch, a member of long-standing of this forum briefly sum¬ 
marizes its history (in a personal letter to the author): 

The Forum of the First Congregationsl Church of 
Evanston was startod about 1916, then undor the name 
"Current Events Class." It was continued for many years 
just after the morning preaching service. In the beginning 
the topics were as indicated by the name of the Class- 
mainly about current events, political, industrial and social. 

Then during the war period they took up various 
questions of war, conscription, conscientious objectors, 
foreign relations and industrial conditions. During this 
period they used tho same "Sunday Noon Forum." Later they 
adopted the name "Town Meeting" and have continued to use 
that to the present time, discussing various social, 
economic and political questions. 

Recently they have moved the meetings to the Public 
Library Building in Evanston to accomodate some people who 
seemed to hesitate to come to a church building. 

There has been a continued interest all these years 
but a considerable amount of work is required to provide 
suitable programs and to secure and maintain proper leader¬ 
ship. 


Sinai Forum 

Lecturers under synagogue auspices came early in Chicago’s in¬ 
tellectual history, but Sinai Tomple was the first to present a regular 
forum program. It has been emulated not only by local synagogues but 
by varied organizations from ail over the country, some of them have 
written to Sinai’s director for guidance. Its pioneer work, and its 
continued success, are due largely to tho inspiration and perseverance 
of its executive director, Mr. S. D. Schwartz. The history of the 
forum is perhaps best told in his own words: 

I came to Sinai as assistant to the superintendent in 
1914, right out of the University of Chicago. Sinai was a 
flourishing Temple then, with many physical attractions, in¬ 
cluding, I remember, a large swimming pool. I felt that 
something should be done in as attractive manner for mental 
development. So, in November, a month after I came to the 
Temple, we began our forum. Of course it was highly dis¬ 
couraged by the old timers. . • At that time forums were prac- 


jarrol ai ' to sn-wi-.*;.-: |o •■.■■• • ;*• ' 


.. w ffj .. " ' . I H ; 


- . - .. 


BJ1 


tc k> LBnotiQ&trt&tato ' te-.wissot ®rff . 

...,; , . a ; - f^Gv5 

. I ; . ■ ' . . 

•.? «I U ^ntdaBtiq ■. * T iy.:«■:-■ m % . 

-aeultf «W i QfipjBd'.otf# -•■■• «*• - : ’'". - , 

• I^xoo:. ■ ; . Ec£T*wfta|. . 

. f ' ■ ' ' : i' 

* , . xaii. hr* ,;- •• . i; r • .... 

« • : • ■ ■ . : . . . 

• ‘ ' • . ■ ■ 

• ,' . ’ . • v sni&ifoe'iii ^ ' 

.■cvisbi^^V •.>' ;.':. c.. Jdnoo ■ 

: . v . ' r> •. t3 . * V ’ -r-T -! 

■ ; :.• ? ' 0 . • ., 

1 • i iris risteil ‘b6ttfd fat.':. ;:. a . . : . . 

: , < • ■ • 

. ■ . • r . btt»: € * ist'Si or ::: tz,\ .: ■ 

> ' - . ‘ “ * 


<. : i - rr. 
: rnz 


‘ 


. , •*• . \ . * - •• 

t ■ • - . ; ' ' ; 

> c '.. -i ■'</'•'• '• r ! - y[: ' ;; uo" , : yi i. .. ' - ~ i ■ 

i ' M . ■ • ■; , ■. ■ ’ ' ■ . i hq 

■ * TS^ \ V.xi'V i'pilflV ijd 


TLnot 

. • . • ,>:•• ■. : ri- -- ••• r- • * 

: .• :l ' -• ••■ . - • - ;• ' 

xti-- CV. :-W r ■:: c [l lc 

ei carrot 


. • • • 


r:: • .■ ■ .^ i •. - •.. : : a . ; . .••.-.. , 

, ■ ; i ■ ' ; • : '• •'■ 

i *'■ 

■ : ■ 

-8 Lb 7 ,. \l. ■: •’. * 


66 


tically non-existent. There were of course, extension lecture 
courses, that offered a sort of "pretty evening,” and women’s 
clubs. {As a matter of fact tho forum movement came, in many 
respects from the women instead of the men. Most forums, if 
they go back approximately 15 years, deal with "feminine," 
"e.ultural" themes. Today they take the broad cultural base for 
-granted, and try to develop in their members perspective as 
citizens of the World.) International issues seem much more 
important now, as exemplified by the fact that the Daily News 
devotes two pages to foreign news but never did so before the 
war. Local problems are much less popular as forum topics. 

For example, it is hard to interest over 600 people in such 
an important question as the city manager plan. 

Our institution has a liberal tradition. It is 
the only congregation that has not had a Saturday service, 
and this has been true for 64 to 65 years. During the war, 
the Rabbi was "under a cloud." He was accused of being pro- 
German. I steered clear of propaganda at the forum, however, 
concentrating on such programs as talks by University pro¬ 
fessors in specialized fields - geography, literature, etc. 

In the beginning the men would come only to escort 
their ladies to the door and to call for them after two hours. 
Gradually, some stayed for the program, and those who "came 
to scoff remained to pray." We charged only $3.00 for 30 
lectures then; yet our highest attendance in the first few 
years was 100. However by 1930 the assembly hall with its 
capacity of 600 was found inadequate and the sessions were 
moved to the adjoining large Temple auditorium seating 3300 
people. The price of the season ticket is now $3.75 for 
eight sessions, but we realize approximately 150# mere than 
the cost of the program. 

Now since the area around the Temple is largely a 
colored one, all our audience come from a greater distance, 
some from as far as 30 to 40 miles. Perhaps about 30# of 
those who attend are gentile. 

The early audiences, like those of today, included 
rather homogeneously, people in the middle economic brackets. 
In politics they were - and are - liberals. We used to have 
more of those who disbelieved completely in the intellectual 
status-quo; but not so now. Y/e don’t encourage the habitual 
"aginners,” the "anti-minds." 


Fred Atkins Moore and Three Pre-Y/ar Forums 

Under guidance of Fred Atkins Moore (known for the founding 
of and long association with the Adult Education Council of this city), 



83 


. • : 1 . OVf i: ■ ■ ■ . _ : ‘ i ' 


’ . • ' ' ' y ■ r - ' 

nr*, r 

iUf 


*, ’ 

. ■ ;>r 

m at t or'. 

. , ■ «•* 

■ J u « 

i , J tUJTO'i 

tack 

", 

r 

- X 14 •! 


• . O'l ■■ ‘ •' = ‘ -'1 


■3 




. i *.;$•->$ run. 


liOl/S XI .£ 
as. i ± 


r* 

ft A. 

0 ill 

9di %< 


X \ - 

ra :: 

1 



V.f ; 

n^T • 

1 • T ■ X r. 

C1 

1 ,* 

Lia 

« ■ • T»- • 

i- t'J - 1 V, 


4 » 

io 

” i .-. •: 



[ • ; 

w ~ 

iW- 

£)3C 

icf 

orit t.t 


- wiAV 

. y 


*• 

• 

o.’ r 

“I/vraJi 


eie 

dne 

•; j.. • ' * 

tfl qo 


•>f . . 




: vv 


...03 

i > 

Xnaoi icin: 

JrT 



vs.y 

ort 

r * X 

'J J- 



if* 

dDi; 

1 i#iW 'id 

. 

1 - 

. : .: 

• Y‘ 

f' 

< 

■ 

• 


■ 10 

vor: 

: Xi.;J .swo4 





"J- 

q O'. 

L’f JOV 

L 1. 

BB 

idufjo f ■ 

I 

• 

• ^ ■ 
f> * 

i 

'*i ’ ^ 


I >; 

TV - r 

j 

« 

08 

rr 

vc Jseit 

iai o 

X 

'cd^-.V 

iii 

T‘X 

’V'-' I* 

! : 

0 i 


*( - ■ -' 

... . ie : ■' • 

t ooXvi«8 'cob’isjScQi a tod $oa sad'-fcdd' do&h&ari&nvo ‘ Lxio Oi / 

' * ' • 

. . - - ' . 

. ojj's do gf '■ 

. : • ' - ; 1 . " • «• 


-» « r 


■t x .no - f .-i"- . •-r- 

. ... 

... v \-v: , 'h . r! fr- *V ”'v ■ •' 

>0,5 , •; . a ■’ : . ■ 


• '' 


«V»* •- 

•J • 


• i S ■ 

ti 901 '• 

v: i dih.' iiesl ■ 

. •.. . 

»18W BXlC 

a 

. i. - r . 1 ' < 


. • : ■ v.i; , - 

■ t ■' ■ d 

w * - 


, 

■ aT ! 

. • • . 

'i ' / . /; 

• 

C-Xr 

, • 


' ■ 

eiobiia 

0v„. d O.j iJ&BL. 6t 

. -I/ V :■!'( 


.... * J. ; ’}■ hot 

' k‘''k* 

. ' i ; : 

.. - ■ Sflf 

. . .-W. ?"• ■' V • • ’• 


a • • " • ‘ '• ' ’ tfoq * 

. • ' . . r j 

... . * ! ..... . . . ■ 

, i . v ■ ' 


f ' ¥ ■ ■ i ' is-* •’*' 


. . ; - • i ■ '• :'■■■ 'if■ . • • ' • 




67 


three new forums were launched by 1917. 

Mr. Moore came to Chicago in 1914 from Boston, where he had 
been inspired by the. example of Ford Hall Forum, and George W. Coleman’s 
missionary attitude toward it. Then, as Minister of the Universalist 
Church of the Redeemer, Mr. Moore opened a forum there "for the discuss¬ 
ion of live issues." This neighborhood (around Warren and Damon) was 
then a degenerating middle-class one. The two elements that composed 
the audience were (as in the case of the settlement forums wo have dis¬ 
cussed): (1) the ordinary poople of the community; (2) the radical 
fringe. The latter, Mr, Moore explains, "came to ride their hobbies. 
They were the more aggressive type, and would therefore demand as much 
attention as could be given to them." Although there was an interested 
audience for several years, the forum automatically collapsed when Mr. 
Moore loft the church and the ministry in 1918. 

The other two forums Mr. Moore founded - the one in Lincoln 
Center with the help of its dean, Jonkin Lloyd Jones, and that at Lane 
Technical High School with the holp of its principal, the late Super¬ 
intendent of Schools, William J. Bogan - met on Sunday afternoons and 
Saturday evenings respectively. These continued only a short while, 
definitely closing at the time of the war. 


Forums of Civic and Somi-Social Organizations 

The third and final category of early forums includes those of 
civic organizations whose programs, though nominally open to the public, 
are in practice generally attended by members only. Hundreds of civic 
organizations in the city have had at one time or another special pro¬ 
grams involving lectures followed by questions from the audience. Many 
of these have conducted such programs over a period of time. (For in¬ 
stance, the local Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, founded in 
1919; now has oight branches in the city, each with a monthly program 
on topics designated by the international office. But these are not 
included in pur list because for the most part they are attended by 
members only; questions from the audience, though frequent, are not the 
rule; and the place of meeting varies from month to month.) It would 
be difficult, therefore, if not impossible, to list all the marginal 
cases of near-forums which were sponsored at one time or another by 
some civic group. 

Hence wo shall be concerned here only with the two represent¬ 
atives of this category on our list (i. e., in operation in January, 
1937). These are the Swedish Educational League (Lake View Forum) and 
the Men's City Club Luncheon-Forum. 



; Ci . * . 


> : .. .y. 




• f 


iw. ; r ,c>i . • r> c? . 

* . -'.r. A ^3-l noscf 

: y. i < (AO 'BjBiJ 

• c*y ,, ; ,'r, . 

: j - • •• ' BS^ , :ii: lO GOi 

■ . . ... . ; UJ 3 cedi 

. ' ■ ' ; . . £> 

tM ' : : . ■ . ■ . - . 

. 1 : &SC ■! •. ; ' 

bods : >3ii nr &£« rid igGorfilA ” . ;arfj 03 f>.: fel*. ?o c/i noi: ;:ac"L 

\ ' . ... ‘ . • .. ' 

•>. ; ■. f \ 1 otooM 


% 


-qJuji ddiw ■ 

JDi.ii’ .BGooir.o^t ■ jat/B ;io Mm - xie^oS .1 '•.Mil'..' t :-.i >o to daoisoJri 

aeotfl • , . r i j'c •\xla--vo 


>;oria x' v. .;o bay Maoo 


i: ;,»*> ;■ J - .X -I ■ , • ’• 


. .. >•••• '■ • .• 
* •• .• . . i * — —-- - ' . 


r. r . i 


io • - 1 •.* ±-.... . _ . u - • . •. 

, . ‘ ;; • • U . .; ■ ■, . 

■ . . . .. ■ ‘..-V •. . ; ■ ; • 

. .. ' . . . 1 , . . 

• das ^ -a gsiy . r r< ! . . -j-} 

, . j ■ • ; • j pi ‘..-.I • i ;■ • . Bp! 

v v • ' >.*j *'• ■;> j :•;«•-:* '. ‘‘ t M.•» 

• ' •••■.’ . '... ■ . 7 •• vren 

.. ; ; ' . + . ■ y O'. ' i 

' |•. . &4 • . ■ . 

: ■ . . JJ 




'll , : ■ /; oad , iXuoil i; L. iJ 


7 - .! ; y V-:. ... .7 • . . •• 

». , >'*£•■(00^ piv-ip -JBmoe 


* ; . - 


HU 

fc--* (mic£ 


ii 


• • ? *•*.-- 
*. » v-»i. 

" ' ; C I C t «*> •*) tsiL "Go gc .. r . o ••£/; 10 aavijo 

. 

.r±si r 'i- w. w ,o.7'a. of 10 v^iO cdJ 





68 


The Swedish Educational League 
(Lakeview Forum) 

Among the few early forum groups in Chicago which have grown 
rather than dimished with the years, is the Swedish Educational League * 
Notwithstanding its "policy of strict political and religion neutrality," 
its liberal nature is revealed in the choice of speakers and subjects 
on its recent programs. Since the depression, the topics have been pre¬ 
dominantly political, although they were more consistenly cultural be¬ 
fore that time. A concise history of the organization, from the pen of 
its founders, is the small brochure, Twenty Years of Educational Pion¬ 
eering (published on the occasion of the opening of the 1935-6 season). 
This so adequately explains the origins and background of forums for the 
Swedish people, that it is worth quoting in large part: 

The Swedish Educational League was organized by a 
group of Swedish working people who, before their arrival 
in America, had been active in the temperance and labor . . 

movements in Sweden. It is patterned after the famous 
lecture socities in Sweden which exist in partically every 
city, town, and village of that country. . . . 

During the first years lecturers using the Swedish 
language were given preference. It soon became increas¬ 
ingly difficult, however, to obtain Swedish speaking lec¬ 
turers, able to cover the groat variety of subjects demand¬ 
ed by the audience. It was then decided to attach less 
importance to the language, a change of tactics which soon 
brought its own reward in the form of a substantial in¬ 
crease in attendance. Now, even the Swedish speaking 
members do not like their own language but because they 
seem to prefer English, not because they found that a 
lecture in English is doubly beneficial in that it also 
adds to their knowledge of that language and gives them 
a hotter understanding of its correct use. 

Owing to its character as a public forum The 
Swedish Educational League does not concentrate on any 
specialized study or any one school of thought. Pro¬ 
fessional and trade schools are available in every part 
of the city for those who wish to train themselves for 
an occupation or profession. Followers of political, 
religious or philosophical creeds can also easily find 
associations to their liking, where only their own 
particular line of thought is dwelled upon. The Swedish 
Educational League, therefore, does not limit itself to 
any certain kind of teaching in its educational activi¬ 
ties. Although it only functions a few months of each 





: j ...i.'- Lv. ru-i rrv.-n .. . 

; 1 'c: .1 . . ’ 7 c O 

, >\ y... • 



. '. .-To £k ■ i- '. : * •*•• 

•a z-i -i I:. :: i, .. . . , ,• ; . :• .y -1 -v , 3 ?it>ri ■' - 

j:..,*, V ; --.v japia&a^O -QfiJ' intf :£U-- - ; ’>'*• 

A A r ** * • ? ( k r f _ ^ 1 


>1 i irtdi lo b.: loadbos exit&.t'ro oriJ enii .■ 08 etxfT 

rtasq 03 i$X..air 8 c 2 ^o*if; £&&£ t-ajfc , ciqo'jq ;te.£fi6*8 

- *• ' -. - - ' •'»* ^ * •*’ * *• - 

b %'J besl • • . • • .. :• 3 > •• • •' • 

. _ . : ■ J ; ■. 

1 . . . . • . : .:• V., ■ . ...[.■ ’ : 

auomh &il* setts'p&ip$3J£% . • * ; 

*• •/■••;'. |i '.'•••• ' ’ ' 1 

«. * .**. '•.» 1 / v «, •. .,\ «»•< • • # r .*i 

• - * ] , •• • ; . • 

I ■ ... . » ■: ; ' '■ ■ ' 

i'.cboi' il ' - ; • •. ; 5-3 . ‘ • •' 

... ’ - 0 , tl >■' 

•. . ' T ; :. -~v :y. • 

• i-.. •. < • j. •'- 

• ..; • • . ■ v,v; i . ■ • 

: . . . » • ... ' - 

. ' / . : .' - y , ft <. ; • r. • 4i '• • - ; 

; •. ' .. v . . ',_k, -wa;r .'.*.r ' ■ 

■■ ' .... ; ' . . Cti - ' 

Or..:- ; £ U’J.y i ' . ; r .i, ; .■ 

•'• ■' ' - vr . I . .. . ' . .. .. ., v \ y:! -y • .1’. : oi^VYi* 

- . j i ... :• . : fi| ... L. ^ .1 : 


: ■ ■ • .. . ' . ■ ■■ . I >. 

. • jii - i g 

. . .... . . •. •: .,y .- . t: •;. ;•] bfl •••• 

.'’V-V..v./;•- v • •', i • . ' l..; H h ' '• 

V . x. ,-.iirxaao'toaq to oa'- : 




C t . r 



i .1 , 

. . • • - . 

... 

^ ,L. , 

■ri t 

Of ■ pjtOsl t&iOGB 13 '■ 

Xl8ifec-Wc . 


t ; : ... ’• ■ :• . . 

- » . / • j i i .* * . 

1-c 

. .. ; Ei UOXi 

• - p, , 

- X . 

. r Li 

» . •* ,* 

C> 

. • , c .' .• : i 

■ \ . 4 ? 


I 1 ; ; _ 

0.■! • -L* ■ 1' • •."iJ . • .-s t 

, 0 

bill/ aim to /?;■ 

lL 


v/o', £ n j ■ yjl .;j.no 

3i 

'tit i-. . -t' 







69 


year, it is endeavoring as best it can to keep its .mem¬ 
bers informed about world affairs in general, such as 
the advancement of science, outstanding achievements in 
literature, causes of national and international changes 
and upheavals, and last but not least, it tries to give 
as close an account as it possible can of the efforts 
that are being made to bring the world out of its pre¬ 
sent chaotic economic and political condition and into 
a new system of society, based on justice and true human 
brotherhood. 

To gain this end The Swedish Educational League 
maintains a forum where any problem of importance can be 
discussed fearlessly and honestly. It believes that no 
man should form an opinion on any important question 
until ho has studied it from every side, and to aid in 
such study is really the chief mission of this organ¬ 
ization. Consequently, no man is denied a hearing be¬ 
cause his views are radical. All that is expected of a 
lecturer is that he is able to enlighten his audience on 
a subject upon which a wide awake citizen should bo in¬ 
formed and that he can do this briefly and interestingly. 

In our opinion the need of forums of this kind 
is obvious. Not even during the difficult years of Amer¬ 
ica’s participation in the World War did the interest 
slacken, and as the years wont by it became more and more 
evident that a forum of this kind had an important mission 
to fill among the Swedish people of Chicago. . . 

This is not a huge group; generally no more than 100 attend 
the forum. Publicity is light; fees are conservative (25tf for single 
lecture, $2.00 for season book of fourteen and the programs are not 
sensational. Still, the consecutiveness of attendance and the sobriety 
of this 20 year old enterprise give fair ground for predicting con¬ 
tinued success. Well over half who attend are Swedish. The sale of 
family season tickets ($3.00 for two), and the fact that each season a 
session is devoted to a membership meeting and one to a lecture in the 
Swedish language, seems to indicate the homogeneity and the personal 
relationships in the audience. The tone of the meetings is distinctly 
liberal, for, as its president explains, "although our organization 
is non-political, our audiences are chiefly made up of co-operators, 
liberals and radicals, and naturally we have to see to it that the 
majority of our speakers are sympathetic to these groups." People 
do not come to the forum to have their minds changed. "They come here 
to be informed about things - just as the would read a trade journal 
or a newspaper." And expert speakers - many of them from the Univer- 



. • ' ’ ■ ' 

BV^IiCdO Xd&oXdnOTddXtl.. &ftl 0$&Qt$£in- tQ. 8®OBj04> ,•’ ■ . .'.Li _ 

■ • . . , • ■ •• 


~ i ■ j - s> - 

oil' - t- 


to two ■ ■ • . " ■■■ - ' ;;• 

- r C..' * r!/\. \ id o* ' ifliocf d-Cdd 

old 

'lo‘ m Afu <.a V.’•a.i] 
Xfvo&riT.orfdo'rd 


jo.fii 


/U 


. .. . t ,&J;tSA. aip% cT - 

'K-.’L'lrJz Sijib'i. A 

• J > :. . 

t ‘ -b - 

■ , 

J ■. : ■ 


c bol/iob si floa o®t • t 5£ltfnoiipoaxw>0 : drool 
■. ■ ■ - ■ 
ay£[%ilhs.\ (:-i dlifo -.el 4 wci Jadd Bi 'XOTH/tfC 

•fli d *,i: ode etfbima ^Itt-JO rfojtfw ftoqu doetdwa fl 

...A' ‘ • 


- • • . ■ v d 

’ oow eioo^ odd &g fens ..wtfjXBXa 
bed £di:» aldd ;tO mnot 3 dcifd iacblvo 
, . > '• - rfelj&ciirO add yiocto 1111 o- 


bp.'yj?:- 001 ; <y;o»: cn ^IlnTedo^ jcixosgpsiid i 'on • ; atsfi 

, " • V . ; • .'■ . ' ' _ ’ • ■ •• : ' V 

,."o .0" v •' j: * # liidE ♦lenoidBBi 
' - . 

lo oil?, ortT , do if - ; ooo • . terro II aW .-.seetooua be&mld 

uiiJ2Sl 

* ' • ■ 1 , .. ‘ r •: ‘ • • :js 

■ • ii od >ae ,• ^.ouv'nel rfelbswB 

4 . ... . . ■ . ' 11 
,0’iodx;-oqo-oo -‘X.O $U .^jftoldo BBOCQlbUB Ti/C ,1 oldxloq-naa Bl 

rn firift ,eix3DiI • :;c*iodlI 

" V : ■ - ■ \S ■ . 

oio.f 3,1100 . lu^ru-.'iO 8b«i:t r 1 it ovod oi aio i niid os -:moo don ob 

Xftiru/ot obe'ij c fcxjoi tluow odd bo deut - e?.niifd doodR bosrcotxil ed od 


-•zevXaU -,»rid moinorid 1c 


ojLooqs rit qxo baA " .laqeqxiwoa a to 





70 


sity of Chicago - help the group to accomplish this end. 


Men’s City Club Forum 

In sight into the City Club’s forum is to be had through an 
understanding of the Club itself, which like the Swedish Educational 
League, began with a "mission” to perform. It is officially declared 
that: 


. . . The City Club was born not as the idle or theoretical 
whim of a group of men who simply sat down at ease and comfort¬ 
ably speculated, "Let’s have another club," or who even altru¬ 
istically tried to think up some useful form of civic institution. 
On the contrary, it was born of the heat and clash of Chicago’s 
greatest political war of the 19th century, in a five-yoar con¬ 
tinuous battle to free our city from the domination of the "Gray 
Wolves" in the City Council and their corrupt counterparts in 
the legislative halls of Springfield. As a consequence of this 
struggle, a group of men banded themselves together in a per¬ 
manent organization to insure watchful vigilance on the sole be¬ 
half of a defenseless public. 

We do not know when the forum itself actually began. The 
minutes of the Directors' meetings toll us however, that in January, 
1907, it was voted that the guest speaker's time be cut down to thirty 
minutes so that the audience might be permitted to participate with 
questions and discussions. 

Despite its broad civic purpose, tho City Club - and hence 
its forum - has been composed almost entirely of business and pro¬ 
fessional men, and of none in the lower economic brackets. "Wo have 
many labor men" says a Men's City Club executive recently; however 
these turn out to be not laboring men themselves but professors or pro¬ 
fessionals with broad sympathies for labor. 

At the City Club, lectures are noticeably more concerned with 
local problems than at other forums. There is a definite, practical 
tone to the topics as well as to the content of the discussion period. 


Summary Comments 

Thoro emerges from this history of pre-war non-partisan com¬ 
munity forums as there does from our previous roview of protest forums 
a recognition that as a technique of public discussion forums have 





ov 


•Zc •" ’’-3 dallqtococa jC <£t t - c* ;oixlD to vjiz 

# • ’ • 

-• ^ v iO ..’-if'./ 

: •:•;*. . - J >; 'j * 

«*• ♦* ©i{ i -..i.' . t o ..iv: fo . : Onjsth' ... or 

1 "' ■ •' ; •■£*» • :I »■.' ’ . •. 

"• " ’ * ‘ f , • • • l f&tit 

,* l‘ * • . «. • • * „ »• 

» * * * 

• a ae ion mod saw • , 

-chrctiwo br: • ot-co tfc xiw b tea x.Cqi'Ji- oxiw Jir.u *x qu^o j? tc .r.lrfw 

•• ,: ■ . • . 

j la : a ... ♦) .,v c* • . ■ a c ' 

* ' ■ H ilch) 

■ ‘ •' ' ' •' - ; 1 pj I ■ ’ . 

. iJ . 1 

— W* 0 BA i.. • • • /'.■•'.'i'.:- I - il \df 

■ i - . . . • 

• • • •oildV'i ee : 4 i* Vo ti-n 

w « • 

.... 

‘ .'j- 'Vvwofi sv lie-* Bgnltaejit ’ aio^oouiCI *:>*($ to oosuain 

"... ' ' e&i/oole b. L.ijiJzvsjp 

# • 

• . 

. 

-' 

r ^nta« 

; r { ; 1 

• * ' . 

* 

to ' 

« ' ' ■ • . : ■ . ; . . • ■ 


■ ■ r, .oO >p.. . 


• • 

' ’ ■' : ' - .. ypi 

... v vv n 

< •• -i P.n r.Kir/ 

D 


X't i <urm 


' .. a 




71 


been a matter of relative indifference to Chicagoans. If this were not 
so there would be a much smaller lapse of time between forums, and a 
greator number of forums at any one time. 

The first non-partisan forums were established in the wake 
of social turmoil when liberal pioneers of the now settlement move¬ 
ment sought a safety valve for social antagonisms. Here, they hoped, 
workers with grievances could get things off their chests, and the 
clash of opinions could be substituted for the clash of physical forces* 
(Capital and labor itself seldom met on the forum floor although the 
substantial citizens paid their private respect to the theory of social 
harmony at their own forum, the Sunset Club. Radical thinkors among 
the more prosporous and professional came to Sunset regularly volun¬ 
teering as proxy for their laboring brethren who could not afford the 
$1.25 luncheon. Radicals ridiculed the notion that weekly forums 
could fundamentally affect basic social evils and regarded the settle¬ 
ments ’ efforts as "the good which is enemy of the best." They never¬ 
theless took advantage of the opportunity to discuss and proselytise 
- so much so, in fact, that these settlement forums wore closed by 
their sponsors on the grounds that they wore becoming city-wide ren¬ 
dezvous for radicals rather than community institutions. The cultural 
or educational idea which frequently motivated forums is exemplified 
at Sinai Temple and at the Jewish People’s Institute where the forums 
start as a sort of ladies* literary society or university extensive 
course. Public .affairs and controversy come to theso forums not by 
prearrangoment or blueprint, but as a sort of by-product of the times* 

Whon talk about democracy is in the air, the forums may con¬ 
stitute themselves its guardians;they illustrate its possibilities 
by their own uso of the democratic privileges of free speech and as¬ 
semblage. Sometimes their zeal for democracy borders on propaganda, 
and the boast of the forums that they are unbiased, and merely educa¬ 
tional, is open to challenge. 


iton alow axiii II #eano^nold;Q o.l ftoauiottlfcai ovitfrlai to tat t tun c nc ocf 

0 «aju/io-t aoow^ocf -'ii' : 

’> v urto ; iff sxnoiot to loti . 

<wtow orij ni bodBlldstad m&t' ■’ i , •. « fiiiT rfT ' 

„. . . - 'jvoit J;xd*u^44'^‘>i- WGfl odi to ei^ aol$ Jjylvdl rioflriui ,r > i'ooa to 

. t WClH »8UH2}i£tOJJj04nO Iciioe l©t- t?VjUjY B $■;•..• 

. ' : - ' ■ : | 

♦eooiot Xcoie^iiqt to AauSo orf* *oV Sfo^WltedMa. tri.. .blu.o6'vi>::-*rJqa t 
J&t/otttXs i.ooJt imriot vn.j; . • ‘ .. 

t«>od^ .®*M ot ifooqacH o^iyrltq i iatf* • .•*>!rq.. $adsm o ''Itsitaoialtm 
' Blo tto fc ' d fr X/.-oi &~>f *(fil£D' tycsi&fB ■■ 6xiJ -.^jniJTol ;yo ii iv-- :s {iioi\ 

J 

' •'• od*» «<3*r:{Sjatf &niaodnI aiorii .■ to? •..;> 

• Ot ;I *13- "• XlOltOff •J&oltoot6ii ,x 

-oIXJo- ad* i'/4.»y ■ < ; II.-frx'jr-ijflift fjJUJOO 

: v;. ..i' ".Jaodad* to ^made a*> jtteirh$6oo8 ©ifit* : 3s aJ'ibtt© ’aJnaa 
■ iq b;i. aajuoBlA e? Vtii8JJf*ibqqo erid to egjacftiivfir xiiood saoJ 

J 

toii/tltfo err- .80 ' - .■ Irbioirt--rot ujovsob 

■ I Au'jiQfji Jtaaoitaoub* ro 
& otedw o^uJifsnI a *oIqodT dciwol *14. to..ijii±', olqraoT Lvuia Jo 

' - 

t 6a&dt 6f afiioo ^novovtago- ban ciiottd o’flrfsrT .oriiuoo 
•sooit JnJ to JOL-iboiq-vcf to tioe o ar$ :ju<S. ■ ■itniiqdnl d io ;bi or.crzn&zq 

■root otfif »iJtr oi*si.xosnaoraoX '■ • 

; .t- jlatjlli « atwlhnmj^ eii' 'e^v’Iber.odt 

’. • • tp" aoa©Xivii<j ottBisoaiox'. 3/1;:., to 

■ >Vi.YOfi?WM»W& lot 1-x.s I 

■ • . •■ ft** vi'dati-'Yod^’ . .II + tb'^Vri 

* . < tv • . . . • - •■ . -. t .. ■ •••'.- 


CHAPTER VII 


NON-PARTISAN COMMUNITY FORUMS IN CHICAGO TODAY 


Community Center Forums 
Forums of Religious Organizations 
Church 
Synagogue 

Forums of Civic and Professional Organizations 
Forums of Community, Forum Groups 
Government Sponosred Forums 
Summary and Comments 




y, - .'•v,'- • • •• > r i y;.: ^.y 


;..•• • « ■: . ' $ 1 : ■ . • - - 

: •■ . ' ..." Jf ■ - <.' ■• • 

. V ••• y , • ■ . • ■. • ' 

'.-•• u-i .ru 



72 


In addition to the three historic sources of forums, there are 
several more recent kinds of forum sponsorship, (l) federal government 
and (2) community groups, formed specifically for the forum purpose. 

When we were becoming acquainted with the protest forums in 
Chicago today, we wero able to review each of them individually. But 
since there are more than three times as many status—quo forums, space 
does not permit our doing here. Let us approach these groups instead, 
in terms of their sponsoring agencies, and mention individually only 
their peculiarities. 


Community Center Forums 

First in time, and therefore first on our list, are the forums 
under the sponsorship of social agencies. Their location can explain 
their existence only indirectly for they are handed down to the commun¬ 
ity from above, existing in it, but not rising out of it. This dis¬ 
tinction between forums which are native to their neighborhood, and 
those merely ’’planted” there is complicated by the fact that a forum 
originally founded "for the people” may become an enterprise of the peo¬ 
ple and b£ the people. 

There are (January, 1937) about a dozen social service agen¬ 
cies which sponsor forums in Chicago. These are Aodus Community Cen¬ 
ter, Archer Road Community Center, Association House, Englewood Y.M.C.A.,, 
Lincoln Centre, Jewish Peoples Institute, Lawson Y.M.C.A., North Larabee 
Y.M.C.A., Olivet Institute, Peniel Community Center, Hyde Park Y.M.C.A., 

Most of these forums are conducted by a paid staff-member, as 
a part of the educational program. The Y.M.C.A.’s for instance, have 
traditionally had some form of discussion in their routine. 

Generally such programs concern public affairs, but sometimes 
a particular interest of point of view of the agency may influence the 
choice of speaker and subject. Thus the Lawson Y.M.C.A. Forum , adapted 
to the interests of the business men who are its residents, find that 
topics of special practical interest rather than of broad significance 
(like capitalism or fascism) are the most popular. In fact the largest 
audience the forum ever drew (125) came to hear Mr. Clyde Bydell of Mar¬ 
shall Field and Company ("Caleb" in the Tribune ) discuss "Seven Keys to 
Retail Profits." The original plan of the Sunday Evening Discussion 
Group at Lincoln Centre was to present constructive lectures on local 
problems. But this was impracticable. It is apparently difficult to 
stir up interest in purely local problems; moreover the speakers sent 
as representatives from the various local organizations were frequently 
incompetent as lecturers. Aedus and Peniel Community Centers are Hebrew 
Christian missions, supported by the Presbyterian Board. They seek Jew¬ 
ish converts to Christianity and regard their forums as means toward 
this end. Consequently, typical topics are "Can a Christian Be An Anti- 
Semite?" or "Do Modern Scientists Believe in God?" Their motto is 









- j'l 'jf't iiirirxot eooiwos oiftoi 2 id ©w*td«J orfJ 04 no L . i o-*) .- -iT 
noan-.Qvoa IsioJbol (I) .qirfaftoanoqa aunol io 3 6ni>: » 

oaoevtio mrxol orli 10I ’'IfaoHxooq^ baaifto'f t sqifOia V * iw ' w 


(S) 6ft.fi 


\smo r 


ft i*>t#xq &tU ditm. betaU&i os a»iraooorf aiw o-w aerfl 


3tDw or: ,xfi6ct o*c '■ < * 0 


n •* of' 

[M ,Yli£-X,’OXVXOni mailJ i-i-wsi «.«*»*»«. 

3 :; a w.- *•; ••- ■•- «»*•«« -« flaoi ? 

:.. - ■ ■ ,. I « 

: B ■ . I . - .■■ M • ■'. • ■ 


fiCISl fil 




; CO 
-2j& vi.' { 


‘ • , . • . ■• 

, : : : : ■' . ’' 

ixo ft i dS 


aai.' ■ •: : >r.j • • 

■•■•••'■■ - l * 

a .ti lo j£fo sftlaJhc ion Svi ,S1 al &il*r>txo. t 3vod& avrt Vt 
hrtA t bood"ioC rig loa lisn; ol ovijsiT ovjs noirivv ■ > 

, ; • • » '•' 

■.!>, xqt ruf bsooorf H eXcj»oq Oil? sol 

I . * f ' . 


*i / • ' *i 0 

rrn. ^ f nr 




<j j j s d ^ •• i, 

tofIT •' 0 *u • • ' • -• ■" ' • 


• . . . - . . • -• ;* 

• : . ; • • • ' 

■ . . ' . • ! . '. '■ - 

as ’ftorfaroat—'1 lbSs bl&a & Yd bafoabr.oo OU5 BflUJ'io'l oaoni to 4«oM 

•• ... • 

s » .: . 3 fa * ■ .■ : . 


... : . - ■ ■ <' •• _ - . .. 

*•;' 1 • : ■ . . 

: • ••' J -, o' ' : vr . ' V * Y 


■■■■.'. . 

V; ', ^ •. ' " . ; ' ' rfT ’., 

■ " . ' . .. 

t ho ex ll ) 

OOfid 

o4 &x& flfivfig" Beift>ex6, (gnxftf.liT pjiJ. r .ni %O0ephoC b; '; 

. ' ' .: •’ . ; -■ ' 

. .... S3 . " ' . • . ■ . ■. ■ ■ 

* : . ‘ Ira - ■ " >- 

V •' ’ . * ' • . ' .. . • : ■ \ C' ' 

' ' : ■ ■ ' • 

' • • ; ; . - r 4 * 

" a: , jf.. ; j\ '■ r r ‘l ' ■ ■ • ' **Wv '• 


. tci&lfti • • " ' '". . Is 8JCf 

' $M M ■ ■ 


73 


"There is an answer to every problem and a remedy for every evil" and 
since they feel sure of both the answer and the remedy, they carry on, 
despite small numbers, and despito the bold young agnostics who come to 
heckle* 


Speakers at social agency forums are for the most part Chicago 
men, who for some reason of civic interest, propagandism, or personal 
pride generally volunteer their services. 

The audiences vary with the neighborhood. A polyglot area or 
simply a foreign one is hard to activate, although there seems to be 
some exception in the case of the Swedes, the Bohemians, and particular¬ 
ly the Jews who have had some tradition of discussion. When a Y.M.C.A. 
has hotel accommodations, the residents compose the bulk of the audience. 
In those areas where human "driftwood" live or linger, they are bound to 
be well-represented in any forum which will tolerate them. 

Recently several of these forums, particularly tho ones ap¬ 
pealing especially to the young folks (e.g.. Archer Road Community Forum 
at Goodwill Center) and the Association House Forum have accepted the 
proferred aid of the National Youth Administration Community Forums Pro¬ 
gram in selecting speakers, mimeographing programs, and sometimes in 
providing personnel. 


Forums of Religious Organizations 

Churches 

The church forums in Chicago are those of the Avondale Meth¬ 
odist Episcopal, the First Unitarian, the New England Congregational, 
the Third Presbyterian, tho St. James, tho Bryn Mawr Congregational 
churches and the Society of Friends and Quinn Chapel. They do not seem 
to differ significantly from those of the community centers, except that 
there may be a groater bond between those who attend. Outsiders are wel¬ 
come, but seldom come. Only infrequently do these forums concentrate 
especially on religious subjects, as the People's Open Forum of the Third 
Presbyterian Church did. (This venture - like Peniel and Aedus - was 
sponsored and financed by the Presbyterian Church Extension Board.) 

Poor, unattached men of the rapidly deteriorating neighborhood in which 
the church is located were offered salvation by Rev. L. H. Aronson, 
well-known in certain circles as the Jew who entered the forum world an 
atheist and emerged a Christian. His purpose in conducting the forum 
is of course, a missionary one. Toward this end, he delivered a good 
number of the seasons' lectures himself, scheduled like-minded speakers 
at other times, and devoted most of the remaining sessions to such civic 
items as fire protection and anti-narcotism. 

There is one Negro church forum, that at Quinn Chapel , found- 







o 




io . 

'j 1 

-~tpS iSt 

X r- 

t a ». rW» 

* *• 


"live 

1. V 

. f ; . :. 


. 1 da’ll' 


ri-irt *♦ 

• 

- * ■ 1 ■ 

• • f; 

' • 

• f 

0 Orffr 

an L*b 


bCocf 

orii 

• 

,x • 

CT*! O'Y 

1 -on! 

. ; -,*xa 

. 

m .4 


••'•.Oir * 


tb ' ■ ( ". 

■4 h r. 

•i ■ • ; . . 



. 

« 

, 

• ? 
» • 

. .. 

JOB.ft & 

3 1 0 i ; 

YY.Io .t 

A «booiilci 

. t - 

n^xc? 

f rf 

* < 


■v er. 

)UL J’l 

.■ .. :J < 

# •' 


k'» . * 

J'l-.q J 

.i «i •• 

;! > .'•or.u'iot. C'i 

t 

■. • !».•/ 1 

.. 


: •/!* 

• ' 


. 


, ' it* * 

i.C' >X 

’ 

rr r* 

%;.a 




.!•¥ ■ -to 

jt y ; . 

. X 




[J £>,f.O'ioXot 

r r • • 

v- i 





V'T> '■ 


' - • , 


*. .. r 


. 

• * «. tv> ( ^ ‘ ; » • 


nl 




31/.T0 


‘ . «N i‘'. j*. ' i -7 : 

■\*v.; r [oiJr.jfcsc^ - A V.P..4 l.-y.r.'J - 

. •; / ' i "5 " •• >S ' •' . 

• ■ • •:. : l 


.i . . ■- •• • ' • - *' ' 






•JwA.-.TV.'fO 


-;f‘o ' 

■ ; 

' -i >r(? o*t 

.1^0 

^ J . \ >ioC bi: 

m a ,v; 



-jC'-js .t : 

i- r * J > -t © i. 

;r*riC 

.7 0 -;t & ■ 

... v . # ;;: f : £ 6 y 

i ii3.rr. uoo oj 

-ifov ■ .■ 

. 

. 4 • • - j. ■ > L i . 

o .t« off? a 

t } '“5 

: .: '*/*.. # • 

039.rU ob y 

ir • : 4 a,:J 

. . 

32 i 

a’oiiicol 


■ : " ' 

• J • 

J -• • •• > ■ '■ ■ . •' 

i J ** * • •» 


;-.r 


■ ‘ t ' . ' /■ • i.: • ■. ' '■■■ < 

‘ ;vi.M 

, . , . : u .. ...... , • - ' ; ; ; 

■’ : ’ ’ ,» . .. •...... ; .. .. ; \V-2 >0 ‘ : ;.U. ; .< «v 

• - • • ■' i ^ 

boos s. boioviXoi • ' % 

. ; ; i ... . • • ■; •; :* 

;. . • • •; ... - V. .. .... i • 


■r. ' < ■■■■ >• V • ' *••••» . 




74 


ed in 1936 by the minister and "a group of ray intellectuals" and endur¬ 
ing but a brief season.- The forum had a two-fold purpose: (l) to induce 
evening attendance at the church, which is inconveniently located for 
most of the congregation, and (2) to attract the "intellectual group 
that were not attending church as they should." Cultural and literary 
topics predominated at Qjainn Chapel, as they do at several other church 
forums. 


In October 1937 the New England Congregational Church Forum 
merged with the Chicago Forum , which continue to meet together at Thorne 
Hall of the Northwestern University (Chicago Campus). Their advisory 
board is now composed of representatives of the four sponsoring organi¬ 
zations: the Chicago Forum, the New England Church, Northwestern Uni¬ 
versity, and St. James* Church. 


Synagogues 

The synagogue forums are the most homogenous single group of 
forums in town. They may be summarized together in general terms* 

Jews - regardless of political complexion or religions leanings - seem 
to bo the most forum-going nationality in the city. Forums fit in well 
with their tradition and folkways of scholarliness and talk. Among the 
Jewish organizations which have such forum activity, the temples and 
synagogues are outstanding examples. Theirs are the most completely or¬ 
ganized, well-attended sot of forums in the city, the most apparently 
professional, with speakers arranged for long before the beginning of 
the season, season books systematically sold, and a comparative stabil¬ 
ity through the years."' 

In January, 1937, there were fifty-six Jewish organizations 
listed under the classification "Churches" in Chicago’s Classified Phone 
Directory. Of these, eight (or one out of every seven) had active pub¬ 
lic forums. The following table presents a further description of this 
set-up: 


Kind of synagogue 

No, in phone book 

No, having forums 

Conservative 

9 

1 

Independent 

1 

1 

Orthodox 

32 

2 

Reformed 

14 

4 


* Since the Jewish people have been the most successful pioneers in the 
business of conducting popular public affairs forums they are the object 
of much criticism as well as credit. Such criticisms must not be inter¬ 
preted as in any way anti-semitic; they would be directed toward anyono 
else who sponsored forums of similar quality or quantity. 








hrn V* s” hh» rsteixfa sdi v/dEGI nl &• 

,1) ^esotrujq Mctiiowi % ; - I w 

13^ iO^JR&oX e*t * 

q - 0T o. Xsjxtos'n^jnl’ 5 ^ ’S&WKfi* at {£) *ns. vWnaas'sgfloo srfi 1 

' *. i \ &ibnQ? : $a '3<sn '9 > t*w i*A$ 

•■, :rr f,f6cari0 fa bstBtilmot>9iq eolqo: 

■ : " \ 

nu.Tto'S rfaut/rfO lego t J 3;r->3&no d f> ai&;L fl «£. yCQl tftKfo-.roS fit 

■Ztogo 4 jjo/n cs 'cttrh'i'fitQb rioi'riw fi £ ; jjndl.. oni rfiiw Aa*/:;n 
%'■■■'. • • ■ ■ 

~X/to .ic jfllioiuto<2l itfot f'/j to 06"x' ! • ■■"''.' •>fi ."o '? i ’bdsocitncs won it biflotf 

'tdofiiitO bee «(* .ourto'S o%. rirf0 orfi :anolJ*« 

V-: *•'..• C ' ■ »Y *i ’ 


•*••>/.>: jO&btri'S 

• bt& Btenot dxr,,o:>h\:-« oil! 

sihtos r.l e<f 

■ ■• ■ • ■,- 020 f h ,J1 ~ swot* 

XIair at emtrcol % .-, ■: 

■ ■ 

■ aoigaoi *ij vcitlvi'iM axrto' - ■ ^ io a*iwoT» 

. - ■■ • • 

- • r jft atKrtolt to icfo fwii v. • •/. 

v- a'to&oqs diiv yXr.xtoittolo'xq 

X-,- avi •"•.••^iboo 'jo krv ^‘Moe yflXi sale tf r oeisoa < ( no*JSM ®di 

'Ns'i .'. ■•■rf.^endi *£ti 

' # Vr,GX ^xrauaatt at 

0 s’ogjeoXdO at M idrfonirriO ,! 'i:oi v go 2 ioh/ur bsiaiX 

- avlioo J>sd (oavbfc v- • tO 

eidi to aotflqilSebb t - • 

squ—ida 


• . 

v; 

■dif • :_a 

X 

e 

3Vt3cV10R/X0^ 

X 

X 

sr ■■-. ■ ’ 

3 

3S 

;o£>od. lO 

* 


JboflrxoloH 


nf naaaoiq 'fx'tsfeaofoite i'som orit nooti dvisrf elqoaq dciwot orfi ooa£8 * 

' oi/.baoo to " 

W:n sicaXoliilo riox/8 viibdto fee -How •«£ asto’-itivo dona to 
»d b'Jkrow *>^ri -fo : Jtilno«^iias •*#».- 'ac at sjb hcjaiq 
* • ; . ‘‘'.: • :••' t •’ ■ - ' 









75 


Of the forums operating in January, 1937, only two were found¬ 
ed before the depression. Their years of origin arc: 

Year Number 

1914 1 

1928 1 

1933 1 

1934 2 

1935 0 

1936 3 

None of these ’’just happened.” They were all deliberately be¬ 
gun and - with the exception perhaps of the very first one - for similar 
reasons. Forum sponsors, speaking for purposes of publication, elabo* 
rate on the role of the temple (or synagogue) as "a cultural and intel¬ 
lectual center of the community." This may be the truth, but it is not 
generally the whole truth. The forum is also important in providing 
publicity for the sponsoring organization. Prestige and popularity ac¬ 
crue to the temple which conducts a successful forum and to the individ¬ 
uals directly responsible. It is a means of increasing membership and 
getting revenue. Off the record, a director may say, "The forum is a 
business proposition, pure and simple. It must be built up like a 
business. We pay what we must for'big names' to attract an audience, and 
then try to accomplish truly educational functions by other methods.” 

Competition between synagogues for status has grown up; in 
this competition, the conducting of a popular forum is a positive item. 
Sometimes this competition is evidenced by overt statements of invidious 
comparison. Sometimes it is more subtle. But generally it exists, and 
cannot bo overlooked in explaining the recent enthusiasm for forums on 
the part of the several synagogues at the same time. To judge by this 
and by the growing number of less pretentious forums, foruming may be a 
synagogue fad, just as crossword puzzles wore once a newspaper fad. 

Will it be as long-lived as the latter? 

These forums seem to prosper more when the responsibility and 
credit for their conduct are in the hands of a paid executive rather 
than a volunteer committee. In the latter case, rivalries often de¬ 
velop which split the group - and the forum. Moreover - as many lay- 
directors have found - the bulk of the work generally falls upon one 
person for whom the demands of time and effort prove too exacting. 

Publicizing techniques of all these temple and synagogue fo¬ 
rums are similar: neighborhood placards, brochures, nailing lists, com¬ 
munity and city newspaper items and advertisements. Ticket sales are in 
the hands of various affiliated organizations, especially the women's 
auxiliaries who sometimes become so involved in the competition among 
each other that they seen to lose sight of the purpose for which the 



. 


i 

I 

A 

Ml 

8 


-« y 


* 

•,-i 


b Hr. 

O' 



tn i ■■ 

« 

0 

r.c >: 


, 

* 

X . 

t-• 

• • 

olldr. 



Xo 

J1 


• 

% 





if<S 




i t 


• 

.t . t 




t •: Ix«' 

;oq 


a;; 

* 

r; 

• .: r 

3£.X 

.c:i 

i>n? 

EU»‘ 

i)C 

'■ i ; - 

: a'AXJ .v- 

i:t ti 




ai 

CTi/l 0 


y :■ c 

.j * , 



. . . . • 




ic » atf 

X>0 

•J.K vV 



F. * •*' f 



cse x 



,-f>. s. 



v.gs’j: 
ase ;. 



»^ a » 

O CX 



. 1 • 

•; i . v -. 

- 


i . . 

. 

fic/g 

. • '• ^ . 

.. • 

C01 



^ 



, • ' r 

V-'" - 

tlvl 

srtf -t>. a v 

"C ’ i 


. : ;..... 

V 

i>10 

- •• V 

. v- i i) £ 

i .... 

. v... . 

.a 

• 

» *e 

VS. ■ : . . - -•••• . 

» ■ - 

;; ■••• 

’-V •;. • 

. . .% 

. 

Aijli 

1:1* til riO . ' 

J 'V'T'5 - v . 



. . ' : ' ' • 

: . .. . •. . ... 

. ’ • ~i ■, . ' •!•. r < '■ 

1 *» . .?>• , i,.,. -: t‘: ; . .. '^BOO 

. 3 ... 

. , * • . .. B ■■■£<': K 

. - •. c'. .. u. . '• -5 . \ 

. j- T •• i-iH .......• ‘ ■ . , y:• v. ; * 

‘TioJte'.l ex.«.i - T f>ov il-ao f . er\ i XXiW 


2* • , 'I 7 i Av * — 

■ ■■ ■ ■ 


> , : • :. .. . . 

-V • - , V.- h ■ r"i ' *.jW frf;i ~ , V ■ i .'. 0 V 

. ♦T,::fJooxo ocj ovo*xq c»iciio I.•:.».* ■ r-odvr -rot uoaioq 

» 1 . i.*..' C ' * Ci i m U T i * * - 

.. . -• - ; - l 




• ~ . i , 'o • ;>■ •. i ., . .- ~ t - j 

n 

• . • v * : . 

•• ■ XCJ J i; 1 v . ■ '.f.v. ■/ . . ' , ; ; { .. * : 

xioi. -'c'i aeoqii/o or -i to .T^r oa^i o«t u;: 's >J tstito tio~o 




76 


tickets are sold. Admission fees vary slightly, as the following chart 
indicates: 


Single Admission 

No, sessions in 
1936-7 season 

Season Book 

$ .35 

4 

$1.00 ' 

.35 

6 

1.50 

.50 

8 

2.50 

.50 

10 

2.50 

.50 

12 

2.50 

.50 

14 

3.50 

.50 

18 

3.75 

.75 

6 

2.50 


During a given season the lecturers at one forum constitute a 
partial duplicate of the lecturers of other forums - especially those 
forums of similar budgets. 

The audiences are so similar that separate descriptions do not 
seem necessary. True, they range in size from about two hundred to ten 
times that number. But in composition, they may all be said to repre¬ 
sent various sub-groups of the ill-defined category which wo call the 
middle class. They are in the main (but not always) Jewish and middle- 
aged. Getting young people is a recognized problem in most cases, ex¬ 
cept where the forum is well-established in the community and in tho 
synagogue’s organizational life. Politically, their directors like to 
speak of them as ’’liberal." 

From forum to forum the reasons for attending are similar. In 
many cases, it has become hero as in other middle class organizations, 
tho ’’thing to da,” An intellectual prestige is often involved as in 
overtly appreciating "good music." 

An entirely impressionistic account of one of these synagogue 
forums in operation is furnished in the following observation: 

The forum meets in the main hall of the synagogue, a large 
auditirium, beautifully furnished in light wood with rich re¬ 
ligious hangings behind the pulpit. At 8:05 P.M., it is filled 
almost to capacity (1500); at 8:15 P.M. (the time when the lec¬ 
ture is scheduled to begin, but about ten minutes before the 
meeting actually opens) the less desirable seats are also oc¬ 
cupied, and some people stand around the sides and the back of 
the ha,ll. The audience seem very much at home, and chat with 
each other energetically but sporadically between greetings to 
friends and side-glances at strangers. The major portion of 
them are middle-aged and overweight. They are well dressed, 
well-groomed, ’substantial people,’ comfortably set for a two 





J 

di®rio ; 3 .ilwoIIol 8B 

.yllriS^Xs yiJBV £99't 

floiaaimfcA «ftIos tn& ads^r.ii 

• ~!.jt v ,' :: : ;; -'- • 

i 006 A08B98 

mi ' anoxaaaa »oW 

.ffPiiaXaiXA alsni3 


noasea T~S£SI 


* -00*18 

V 

/ ’ 3£ • 8 

‘ 03.X 

8 

.'“ 3S. 

6c «s 

8 

,■.-' oe. 

03 ,S 

' OX 

". ' 03. 

‘ 02^. 

‘ SI 

‘ ‘ 03. 

* 03.5 

^1 

\od • 

’ 3T .5 

81 

' 'oe. 

* 


ST*.-;•>.:• 




£ ' 9 itr) llaflOD, mmox eao *® STaii/froal'add'ao*®98.aa.y i^ ® -^qiidSI " • 

88Qr tt ^lI®ioeqa® - anurcoO isrido to aiauj/o*! £>;'<* to si^oil it/i> 

.sl^fy/d i.o lift la “lo c.r^rtol 

inoidqiioaeJb odaxsqoa dtiarid i^Ifaila os jW^Vaa^eil^ arfT' • : -> : • 
it&j .) i>9iiM«jit ow* Jyod® '©oil Gatlfe rr|. W&; ; ,t*U 3 tT;:;- •&%»***<» 

“ od i>i®3 atf IX® t«* ^«dd ,$6idiatf<^o6 ; «M»ld 

..; rfoirin -ricg&dfiC/ Jwni'i£f>~IIl‘ . - - 

' - ni : .«a®Xt 

. ‘ ..-.,• jaoo ni il&W&W '?''’* 1 •:•»‘ 

{ • ■ ' * •■ 

llaxW t Yi;®nl.UIo<l # ®\lX I/='noiJwsfnBaio a' 5 iiaoi® 0 ^» 

T^iy a® SS^iS to aiaoqa 

* . ta . XXIX ’/dJ® **0* -BCibs.rpX jtft'miri0 O.J ■ ■" [ 

idfislaagio *®I$ olbXjbn'Tttx&b rU'a^ piori onward. a,o<l ■ 

at a® 6ovlovfll no.tto ax oaldajiq Itofo'&tloifli xiA 11 *od od Bn-Wd" wM 

•',oJ-e-vnr.. jdpg;v”*X s&*‘ yldiovo 

ox/^o^snya oaoriJ to ano to diuroor:® oils Indies diqau yloildno nA 

.®q i', f viordo £ahroXiot odd,. nl Itorfairrurt 8X .®qid.®ie : qo nit amtnrot 

irr^a -.•; \j ££ad n& i#'aii d dl ad o&©. ,0151/1 ot odJ ..< f 
I h ; f ..,' I'o o vf ’«j rijji I wi 'b&tiaiiriJ 
■ ' ' •• ; ' 

... 'io ' Jtdoaijl ydipaaopod dfroaX® 

. . j*io 1 G r :• ■>;■• :iira aod 'd-irou.i dxitf ^ir-V'/ c; j>oIji$*ffp8 owi 

• b'd 90 l\'&dJ (sn^qo yII^x/do^;^Aid® 3 * 
io atofltf ©rid btiA.aobla o dd btUfO id" 
d.ti’- dndo on® ,omod io dadfti'%*©* «&<i» ■idnqXfu;4 v e t rfr i.,IX®ri dilt* 

■ • . id. i :f x:i add o da*® 

otxtoHX 

• • 

owd & lot doa ylctadiolflioo * # oi.qo£>ct I®i^rw:.^ac^^r8 , ,X 9 mooia-n»w 





77 


hour cruise down the royal road to learning, i * « There are present, al¬ 
so, a good many of the ’younger set 1 - sophisticated, schooled and well 
able to pay for their weekly installment of culture; Some teen-aged 
youngsters have come with their parents; here and there a person sitting 
alone plays at reading a book and shifts uncomfortably in his seat; an 
occasional duet or trio of Gentile faces with their own peculiar expres¬ 
sions (perceptibly but inexplicably different from most of the other 
faces) looks expectantly at the speaker's rostrum. ... 

At 10 P.M., the questions are cut short by the chairman and the 
meeting adjourns. There is at once a rising buzz of laughtor and ex¬ 
cited talk. People who have taken down technical words uso them indis¬ 
criminately on their friends. The general feeling seems to be, 'This is 
an evening woll spent; isn't he a clever man]' 

The individual difference betweon synagogue forums are in de¬ 
grees of orthodoxy, in choice of subject, and in the extent to which out¬ 
siders attend. There is some opportunity for personal preference to be 
exercised in the choice of male-millinery, however, for though a man is 
at liberty to wear his own hat, he may, if he wishes, accept a little 
black "yalmicke"to which is attached a small white card which says: 

OUR CUSTOM REQUIRES THE WEARING 
OF HATS IN THIS TEMPLE 

. .PLEASE. . 

THESE SKULL CAPS ARE STERILIZED 
AFTER EACH USAGE BY 
THE ABC CLEANING COMPANY, etc. 

The synagogue which reports that its greatest drawing cards are 
those who promise the best entertainment (when performer - speakers liko 
Cornelia Otis Skinner or Robert Ripley are billed, almost everyone who 
has a season ticket uses it) is not unique. 


Forums of Civic and Professional Organizations 

Most of the forums of special non-radical organizations have 
located in the Loop. They are Chicago Forum and those of the Chicago 
Council of Foreign Relations, the City Club, the Cook County League of 
Women Voters, the Progressive Lawyers' Club, the Swedish Educational 
League, and the Women's City Club. The bulk of their attendance is that 
of members and their friends (except in the case of the Chiccgo Forum) 
although they are nominally open to the public. All of these, except the 
Progressive Lawyers' Club which rose during the last presidential cam¬ 
paign, have been in existence for over ten years. 


-le # *i!»artq Q’i& aiaxfT , . , oJ feaoi l&\o'l art} cvrcn sanno rpod 

i - 1 • b j s »oa 

Jb95G-*nec^ ?.roo , »i•. 1 a. 1 ' ’ •■■'" ' \; 

^xi Uita rrowtaq c <nwdT art* «>iad ;6$xxf>iaq ii »di xi* tr ?rv * avar sma&wov 
ca v^jcee aid xri ■{!*»} to'ixhodxux a.'lldt bn.3 oiood a : exroXa 

-aoiqxo ir.Uxioog awe 'slodi rtti ■■•• eooiit aliaxsei) to oiiS to Jo.,- is/nlaaaoo 
unco arts to Jaoa. moil J^oiollib xXcjS'Jxiqxani iirtf yitfiJqar.xaq) aaola 
, , . v ■ ■::•:•». . tXdaaJc«»qxo adooX (eao*l 

orif bn.a ajunisrio on'} \b iior.- iuo onn enorJeoxrp oil} , .M. t OX JA 

~xo X>xtn iv.td^x/jgX Tc _..Y % biii a oc?nc ■ •■ ai ai .xi'T . ,v.f:6 siu- joffl 

~c * ,xii oex; aj&iow laofndpo} nwo£> coats} ov.*sri oriv vXioo*! *dXx»} bolio 

aJUfT* 4 ad oi taosa galloel Xaioao^ oxlT .sbxioi-il ilarij no ^Xoj/atiralto 

5 ix.^r: israJo b art I'nsi ;Jnoqa XXow jtrcixxovo xob 

-ob rs± o*xj3 noun -': at/§ 09 BuY.s uoowjod aoAoioll.tf XavblvlbrJ dHT 
-Jx/o do law 0 } njjx- .niJ rri ; n- ,Joal,dxie lo ooXodo ri ^orodio lo 30013 
e o} oorroioloiq J^iionoq to": •;« Aiircfiooqo oaoa ai oxr-Hi *bn:-39r< '-siooie 
fel xv.-," js ft-v v-dJ iv't t i :• »■ .'••■-,• r ^/.lIfiw-3i.'..n 'to ooxono o;f} xil oosieiaxo 

.. - 

iav/-« Hoi- , .-r:- o-.r.v XJLaaa - I;-/: .sdJa ai doliv* cl w oafoiaLax“ ^lonld 

c'.zfj&r KKrjpjfc wo^buo sue 

JSXW.yr 2IHT K1 3TAK 130 


. • S • ; A " J *X . , 

0KSIJIHST3 SflA 2SA0 JJUX3 223KT 

y : v :ie.43u ho as aariA 
.oi- ,y« > isoo vo I'/.zxo oea air: 

otb efrxn? ^ciwr/ib iaolcots all l.-dl alloqai riolxtw oif? 

dii : .-?o-.3qcJ - lam uriq : . ••) . ..'iinlnlioin© Ibu • ox!! ©aicox-. odw oaodl 
•: i-'w ono {tova laoarX.1 ,boXJx.: ox: ^>XqX£ liodoS it loxmjfej® aiiO ail'JXiioO 

♦ O^ploxi 1c.. f» t ( t iDJioll r.oaaaiji aad 


3:'oij^ai t K^iO X'moleaaxoi 1 ? ,n.o: oivlO ‘lo sirurtol! 

»vn i.:. llBslxtA^io XaoXi>j|l-acff Xaioaqn 'to .ic-.uio> >x ; lo lacM 

•; >rt! boiaaol 

>0 3 I 00 O ,•>• , •:. - . 

tsdS «f aoxxiibnella liadJ lo attirrf o.iT ,cVi'. >.I 

(rino’X o£,-:.6xnC ! on': lo aa/ir . ; ■ iqaona) 1 io.ii fcn* aiocfooe lo 

oxil ; • :o , aax' to IXA .oildixq M od . .•;■:• 1 tXinfiJ»orj s - vixis .t ^ori^Xx 
Isoiq #g/il nlr*i»b aaol do -. Xx/XO *aio*cwftX ovl8?4i§oiflt 
.a* -)%: nol iovo ioi oon : : , .1 xi ?cf ov^d r nsl«q 



78 


The Chicago Forum , founded by the Chicago Adult Education Coun- 
has been the model for many subsequent ones in the city, who, in¬ 
cidentally "stole its thunder,» When someone versified the spirit of 
the forum as follows the sponsors liked it so well that they printed it 
on the front page of their Third Annual Prospectus: 


THE CHICAGO FORUM 

You who have known the peace 
of English lanes, and you 
From Nippon’s shore - 
White man, black man, 

Christian, Jew - 
Cynic, student, cynosure, 

Man of Irak, Slav and 
Hindu - are you faithless? 

Skeptic - sore? 

Have you grievance, 

Fostered - swollen? 

Bring it here - to death - or cure] 

The Chicago Council on Foreign Relations has consistently had 
a more wealthy membership than most forums. It was founded in 1922 by 
well-to-do Chicagoans who had been abroad and were interested in foreign 
affairs. Since then the trend of membership has been upward as far as 
numbers one concerned and downward through the economic brackets. The 
forum meots in the Palmer House at approximate two-week intervals, gen¬ 
erally for Saturday luncheons. Some other day of the week is occasion¬ 
ally chosen instead of Saturday if a desired speaker is not available for 
a Saturday talk. Lecturers here are not the usual forum perennials. 

Only outstanding authorities on foreign affairs are selected, and only 
headline news is featured. Thus the season's program cannot be arranged 
in advance. Children of families in the Social Register join the Council 
when they come of age, and social interest is one of the attractions of 
the forum. (The local society reporters are there to comment on the cos¬ 
tumes of the ladies, for the meetings are society page news.) Mr. Clif¬ 
ton Utley, director of the Council, notes that in some cases the Forum 
serves to cover up a social interest with an intellectual exterior; in 
other cases it works in just the opposite direction. 

The forums of the Cook County League for Women Voters and the 
Women's City Club are usually not coeducational. They are both composed 
of women in the middle income brackets, frequently of middle-age. 


* The 1936-7 season was the last of the Chicago Forum as such. In the 
fall of 1937 it re-met, in combination with the New England Congrega¬ 
tional Church Forum, as the Sunday Chicago Forum at Thorne Hall of North- 






hw oO UnbA o&ohiO ori; ^ behnnol *£U" 2 LJS££i,?_V«..*£ , fcr . 

-r.i •••;■ ./iio oxi ai e-»/io Jcwpca-Ji/a W tc: Icbr,® . «•*-»•*'«' - ii0 

•v e Ji-i-qe jrfi ioiYietov oaoome aotW 11 **obaudi s:< i ansi** 1 • I'iJrto&i 
U botr.l'iq \od) tedi XIcw os H ocail aloe*??* •*.: ^oX.tol ee sin-l oto 

i BUS 


hmtn ocadiho zr 

e o&oq oki word ov.mi orfw x/cY 
juo\. bn.a .aoital - ail' 'iS 'to 
- oiorfs e'r.oqqi'K wci* 
f rusfli afoelcf ,nm o; 

- tvoL i 

t erujaoazt) ,3nobis)a , oi.^0 
fwia ^jbI2 Yc ,ii3Ai 

TBa&Xn’^icl i/o\; etre - x/bfliH 
?otos - oi:ft\*o>S 
,ooaavaii^ i/ov ovoH 
TnoIXowa - bo‘tv ■•*«/? 

$©vjo no - d<fs&b ol - onorf ii #nii& 

■ H n . 2'.; 

-, .• ; • tx/o 'V *T .aainc'i Jaom an:'* c:'.'--; . *Xeo ■ *i<m b 

»u a frr - jv' /»-.>. •. qiiianadctow lo brtc’t 1 .< nor t oontZ •a’lIffttn 

oiiT . td oi '-f.ooo •-[.< xfyuondi bo r-.roxto,■ ?xic ••- oajv one ;> on siorfafffl 

-xiO^ t el..- .-.oJnl Xoov~ora ojjdaixoiqqe oexrcH nomln'I c-xiJ ; ; . nines 

-aclasooo 4c: •. siiJ Yo **x?b urfio ono8 • aao-'jrfo/urX Tfrbniijsd o : t ’'lin.no 

10 X eXd*li*v* Jan ei isai-noo; bonlaob xj Tti ^bntrtoi2 'to bmianl z'-.totia y,Lla 
.sUiau.*^ rsurto't Xaira;; sdi Con 3*xs otrsii ato-u^osl .'.LftJ >&efcnr/J£3 is 
vino tor . ..... t*TW 5 e*iisllB n&i 'ioY no 30 - 3 X 10 /!^ :nibi:~ o rtaO 
bo^Jisz'ra &'.< so nzni.c-sq s’n osbos ■-•/!’ sixnT .btnnl^i :.i :wa« onilbaori 
Itznu oO rf'j .;iot, 'x'jiai^vS X^iooS odi ni aoiX.tm.jt Iro aoi--:* ixiD .oocxtvf 3 ni 

. ; , • 

.. -. . onori) oift •'xoi’soqoa y.ioi. - i< .cl ■■/:'•■ .eun 

-Y'lC ,iK ; •cwor. og^q ^oioos otA e^flliooci odi id ,s IbsX oxit lo aomui 
.xsno'i odi . . 82 -o emos ni ir.dj a., on # £ism/oO oxui Yo -xotooii.' /'oXi'J nci 
n’t jit 'toixo It oiooIXoini ne .! j iv» #«oiJini I.*iiooa a qu voo oJ a©v A - » 
•noiiooiib e^isoqqo odJ iat r t i a^iov. i2 8i <;.'50 n! o 

orfi bfle -: > oV nog-cXT icY oi^ b-j X vJn x /oO ^oo D -fL 10 st.' ^'toY oriT 

beaoqw* diotf yodT ' , • ••:-•■ ... " • •'■' 

-oi-V.i; :t> teffn^pon't Oiro" r Lbr rrr. .,..; ... .\: \o 






oris al .,ij :;3 ba strtoi or^ordO udi lo is.<?X odi. a • ..osr.ve T-'"' 1 .' * 

-A;j>'x.VfoO xi.osX) 4 fl:' ; ' wjl-1 -dr- tttlrf ttoiSraidmoo :-i t iaa-o-x ii Vc^I Yo Xijst 
Tjfjio'1 i.i.in .t oo': 04.noidO ^rbnno . ■. e ,cirjoH. .oV: ": - ' 1 Ixix.-oi^ 









79 


The League notes among its members more wives of professional men than 
those of business men. The Women’s City Club boasts that the leading 
women-wi th-ar-career have shared actively in its program. Both groups 
seem to represent a middling point of view in politics, although orig¬ 
inally the League grew out of a militant woman-suffrage organization, tho 
Chicago Political Equality League. 


Forums of Community Forum Groups 

Bug Club and Bug House Square fall into the category of commu¬ 
nity group forum as nearly as they fall into any category. But they dif¬ 
fer from other forums of this sort particularly in that they were not de¬ 
liberately planned or formally enacted. 

To the person seeking signs of a spontaneous up-from-the-pcople 
forum movement, autonomous neighborhood forums should be the most cheer¬ 
ful aspoct of the Chicago situation. Of course, even these forums do not 
involve tho participation of the entire community. It seems consistently 
to be true that the more educated, those higher in the economic scale, 
are more interested than the others. The sponsors of the Gr.rfiold Park 
Community Forum complain of this very problem as they present the history 
of their organization. The forum is an outgrowth of tho United Citizens 
Councils. In February, 1936, these Councils set up committees to see 
that elections in the community wore conducted honestly. Local branches 
of the Citizens School Committees whose function was to educate and agi¬ 
tate for the proper upkeep of the school and teachers were also estab¬ 
lished. Those active felt that the best way to integrate and develop 
these programs and others along the same lines, was through a regular, 
consecutive public forum. An early mimeographed program included an 
introductory noto to the citizens of the community, which reads in part 
as follows: 

Dear Neighbor: 

In the belief that there were many who were interests 
ed in a place to bocome acquainted with one another and with 
one another’s ideas regarding public issues of ALL kinds, this 
forum was recently established by citizens of this community 
representing practically every community organization . • . 


* Footnote Cont’d. 

western University, downtown campus. Some of the reasons given by its 
sponsors for the waning of the Chicago Forum are: (l) Since 1925 it stim¬ 
ulated the development of numbers of other forums through the city, which 
drew upon the original Chicago Forum devotees. (2) The Communist Party 
in its expanded educational program grafted away the radical fringe so 
vital to any forum. (3) The depression, while increasing the number of 





• , •* 

w* * - • 


. . ■: v.--. , ‘ r ;• ••• ; 

; Vrfic 2 ■ '.ri*yurc ' • ■” ' . - 

"Mi ' ■ ■' : ■' ^ • >»• 

' • ■ ; .. .. , ... ; •, . 7 . .... •.: .. • {.Liza i 

» / , •' •••*'»•; ’ i * , i , *» i . . . *. 1 _. i . ‘ . , .• » , k X * • ’ » - • 

* ’ v • • . : • -• . . 


-XJBWS 

•0 

% V i 

4 »•* 

# 

'#* W 


*C 


"•f X',- * ~ 
^ x v ^ 4 *“ •' 


'V *i 


! ; ■ 

t •? . 




, j* 




- V^.* 


0*3: 
• % * 


• ' ■ : ? • • . 

> Xsrii tjl ' 


» « 

5 ' • 


l 

: 1 


/ 

»r\ t 


• r • '• 

, L .v „ 


- * 1 • *♦ 

« ^ , • • 

• . . . -it «' 

Sr cj 

'** 4 ^ y .’i ». 

. . t4 • 

^ * »•'» 

. • • - _ • • • 
•% 

*> *» -* f 

• •>» #•*• **• 

. 

• 4 

v • „. , . y 

• *.. . . : . 


. » - • 

*. » ^ 

i.A •; . . ,., 

* • ; v. -- « x 


% • . f>< 

. w • • 


f 



ifft* 3 ijrci. 

# • . 

* / •- hnft rt 

a & • 


• *’ • • 

^ £»~ 

% iiw 

*• • • 

• 

^ -c 


JC 


\ 


x- ” q 




l 


tft pmt 

»^ ■< 


,* ■« 


* *rfJc 


• « 


# 

' • 
% 


/ / 


'7v .a 

•.* .. • 


.* • 


v ii» 


r 


ill 



« V i < •* • 




01 


v 


* • 


* * ■ 

». i 




f- > ? t*r 

; 




x , ; i..- v- .«*«- 

V V 

r - ' * . 1 f| *• f r r\ 

' » ’ . *. *' *. • £ * . • 


•-f-' ‘ A. 


KM 

. ‘ ^ If): 


rf : 

•v. ; . 


A.- - 

r* 

• 

It 

f » • • 

*■'■' : •* 

1 » >. \ «> 

-o 

•# ' • 

o jc r o 

? • • • ‘ • 

V • ■* 

% 

UV 7 ;i. 



. • ' 

‘ * 

. r >/fr 1 ' ■? * 

- . . / ‘ x 

•» • * * 4 l *1 • 

• 

« • -* 

,oi} r 


.. t i. 

• ; . .. . • • .• 


* * • r - f *-i i v 

. < 

.: : WA?* Qfis "tp- 

f r ft • ^ \P 1 ft’O fi T ^ * * r»*r r» , r ^ rr*f <. ^ at t.m f • *1 ^ r ««• # r> r4 

: . ’ 1 t‘ v-fr/# ' \ I . . V* 

' • - f *• • * »*,*■* » , X" 'X \ * r • »•*'.• ,* •*• • ** ^ •• * l * *• _•* 

■ < ( . *f ^ f P “ * J * ♦ ' * * iC.TM.iS A (f 

. ' . I * V^| , .'V * * , 

.'/ ; v & ki a 


i • 

.• 


r 


oanoqf: 
boSrIv 


• f •• * * .... j . 

r*- **• *. • 1 f f *“ • T I ^ r > f 1 i , T ri rfc* * - n } t < <>*r ' - * /» >• # » i. 

' . ! ....... *V - . ; . . 

J •* » - * • • ' iuk •• ■ '* •’ • * 

-- ■ * ' . ^ ;. . , • , . ' 

«, » *. » - • > • l* ^ . •••• • . • | • i •• t, ,• < I v ' ■ " . • 1 „ i ’ ,# j 



. 


80 


Systematically a complete roster of officers and directors was elected 
in which business men, teachers,lawyers, doctors - the wives of these - 
homebodies and representatives of civic organizations were included. 

Jew and Gentile co-operated effectively. Every attempt is made to in¬ 
volve the unskilled working people of the area, and they like anyone 
else are exposed to the placards in the shop windows, the pluggers, the 
local (and sometimes city) newspapers. Several age groups are repre¬ 
sented in the audience, especially since a teacher at Austin High School 
gave students special credit for forum attendance. 

Unlike the Garfield, the Woodlawn Forum did not start out with 
an urgent community problem. It rose in December, 1936, as part of the 
educational program of the Woodlawn Recreation Committee. It operated 
under the joint sponsorship of the Woodlawn Business Men's Association 
and the Associated Clubs of Woodlawn. Its lecture program included 
several strictly local community as well as municipal topics. It was 
financed solely by membership pledges of $1,00 or more from interested 
individuals in the district. (The program explicitly states: "All who 
attend may participate in the discussions. There is no admission fee 
and no offerings are taken.") The head librarian at the Woodlawn 
branch of the Public Library co-oporates by maintaining a special shelf 
of books pertinent to the current week's discussion. 

The audience was so completely a community one that when 
(early in 1937) the meeting place was changed (from the MacCormac School 
of Commerce to the near-by Wilson School of Music, Dramatic Art and 
Dancing,) the only mention necessary was in the community newspaper, 
the Woodlawn Booster. About fifty persons attended weekly, largely na¬ 
tive Americans, school teachers, and sundry white collar workers* 

There were more women than men. The more dependable forum-goers seemed 
to bo the busier people who had already organizational affiliations or 
leadership. The forum's Board of Directors was composed of nine per¬ 
sons. Four of these were ladies active in the women's clubs of the dis¬ 
trict. There were two ministers (a Catholic and a Protestant), one real 
estate man, one lawyer, and one school teacher. It was on the latter, 
however, that practically all of the work falls despite the close com¬ 
munity tie-up, the large voting membership and the forum committee,** 

The general tenor of the forum v/as civic — rather than liberal* Con¬ 
troversy was not sharp* The motto of the forum (as it appears on the 


♦Footnote Cont'd. 

free forums, cut short the life of paying forums. (4) Intro-organiza¬ 
tional factors also contributing to the demise of the Chicago Forum in¬ 
clude lack of time on the part of the Council for adequate attention to 
the forum and lack of financial support* ♦* Homer J. Coppock, who had 
been responsible for the forum programs, resigned at the end of the 
first season. No successor could be found to the position of "Chairman 
of the Board of Directors," and although it was agreed that the forum 
had served the community well in arousing deeper interest in public af¬ 
fairs and in making people better (or at least bigger) readers, it was 
never re-convened. 





tO'C'MO Z' 


1 .., 


L .. 

t ) 


^i trains?i 


H"oi 'nc lyJaOi ;i?cj £• 

c :• :• ,3i,a 1 3ric-au t . i • •.. ft 

o oi••/i• . f. 3v aesiqa* 

,.*{! jVi*3uV*t' ... qo 

.;•' J ' T 3 Cjlqo • ; lyir&i ' '• 


XXI o • . 
.Urtrb r 


Mw til 

ococ i 


r . . •., 


■ ■ '■ 


» ’/■' •’ *. 

* - v - - 4 


otis f elo.iVju. tq . q • ■ 

' • - ■■ 5 f ;r. - * . .:••-• .. 

, ; • ; - • 


•^0 eX l }it^r) L 3 -•? 

j:,* LI f-jJdair 9tiS ~vXo*. 

* 

a br'.j X 

AS Jit .(;•• - 


j 3vc^ 


4 + r 


* • • - . " .» y K • • v f 

' 'f . * . I' \ \ *, v • , '■ ’ 

, • • • .; ; •- ; 

JlL. . .-7 ''.01 ' V- 1 •'• 

4 * * J ■ * » , . I t 4-. J f il • . 

' • ••• '. . •...,,•■■• . .... . 

, s ;-, \ • • .v • ? .. ; 




I ,;rwBli 300 i> i 80J.M.0 r 
^ r ^ .A I . _ • _ r -• e 


■ 




11/ .fi£ 

.i ' 0JL , X'9 

” i i sXn £f 
sxlj bar. 
. YJ8 


. ***■?•• ■ , - ■*’- ■> i - y , * 

. • • . i i, ; 




V 

■ 1 . • * ’ • r> . 


• . ; .... • .. . 

. .. . 

• 4 » £ '• - 1 


. \ j * 

/ > ■ v- r ' r - ’ - • .... 'r 


' 


• . • . P ; . 

.4 .. 

♦ . . ... * /.V% - •-/ « V • r> ■' ■ f '■ ; . .’ 

« * •••*••.'* 1 t »' . 4 . ...... 

.AC' vf vl'JijOW box).! j:' 1 3 ' 0313 J '.'C’lii .t/Jfod/ , . - 1 ." 2 Oi.'tL XI* 

•J** ' fl - 1 g «■-— 




. , •. . . . 

• . ■ :J. X: : 'i ' 


o*ig^ t q a. 37.v.r r 




■ i 


- r 


.; La2 s-xov- 


-■'... .. • • v 


> < 






ll • ‘ 


• k 

*vV» .. ■ 


■ ■ &• ib'V i '■ ; - ^ ; : ‘ ' 


■ f :*C*OqtTOv 


* V 


nu (ji) J n ;) JL fl'Jx f 3 4 J 3 V 5*.] 
t. * fa. iiv> 4 f M.r/tl 

. _ # •. i 

•■■■•■' ;r. •. r- 


_• 


r 




, •• i ! • 


( 

• . ( ■- :. 


r^' .» , 

■ \ '■ 

‘f M ''■/'OX 

* * • ■ t 

• •' ■«. X 


r 

" 

yi 

•• ■ j;; 

■ - • ' * ■ ‘ 

.. >;t •: 

• 

.•}. ■■'?>?.i J.xc, ,.u 

; r *■ "■ / 

. ■ 

CXjeoi^oe*t<I 

t 10 v - % 3 

>. • • 

1 'ri? ,ci—u 


. U* • 

■ io . 

* . » 

• 

■ • ■ 1 ■ ■ 

C>: * f 

, 

,, 4 - < - I •' 

’5 


* 


• • 

.. 

f • 




» ; v •*> O •. 

3 J cXi -J ^ ~ \ 

'A: : ./. v 

r^icrrtB 3 uo # aa 

rrxol 001: 


1 . 

• j 

. 


. ■ • - - ■ 

[onrn 

^ '10 1 

''-tot o;{$ 

*• 

T 1 j ' ' i « j , 




. 

.• ;• 

• r . ,. ... 

■» 



• 

' t' ’ A 

« • 



. 


• 

|; . 

7 : .ir 



,.. .i*: r • r 

j -j. 7 q j; 


.. «■» _ • 


81 


program) was simply: n Lot There Be Light.” 

Similar in some ways to the Woodlavm Forum was the South Side 
Liberty Forum . It too got the co-operation of neighborhood organiza¬ 
tions, such as high school glee clubs and women’s clubs, particularly in 
the musical portion of its program. However, no official connection be¬ 
tween the forum .and those other organizations existed. Mr. Frank Martin, 
president of the Townsend Club of the Second Congressional District, and 
a group of friends founded the forum because "people are getting too far 
away from American principles - liberty, freedom and representative 
government." The program, calculated to "get people tuned up not only 
in mind but also in the heart" began with a pledge of allegiance to the 
flag and the singing of America. The pressuro group feature of this fo¬ 
rum is illustrated by the fact that whereas there were regularly two 
speakers on every program, one was always a Tovmscndito. Questions were 
not invariably called for, for the chairman wished to avoid a lot of 
controversial matters: "People bring up non-essential things when they 
discuss," he said. Besides, "brevity is a blessing, "and the meeting 
was planned so as to not only begin promptly but to end promptly." 

The John Toman Library Forum has an attendance more completely 
representative of its community than any other forum in town. It seems 
to be the most ideal of community forums, having rounded up for forum 
duty a host of local citizens such as never went foruming before. It 
scorns firmly rooted in the South Lawndale Community although it was 
founded only in 1931. At that time a Bohemian Arts Exhibit was held at 
the John Toman Branch of the Chicago Public Library, which, among other 
things, proved the possibility of getting 600 people actively interested 
in a community enterprise. This was a period when no new books were be¬ 
ing bought for the library, due to depression finances, and the sponsors 
of this exhibit came to feel that a forum would meet the problem of keep¬ 
ing people informed. So a lawyer, a metal worker, and tho head of the 
neighborhood department store constituted themselves a forum committee; 
the library offered its housing facilities; and the community came. 

Tho first year the forum’s average size was around seventy- 
five. Those involved declare that people have begun to regard going to 
this bi-weekly forum as a citizen’s duty to community and city. It is 
now in the charge of an enlarged committee of local people. These in¬ 
clude: 

2 lawyers 
2 librarians 

2 journalists (editors to community papers) 

1 minister 
1 art collector 
I upholsterer 

With few exceptions they - and the regular forum attendance - are Bohe¬ 
mian. Orginally the program involved Czoch cultural topics exclusively. 
At the end of the second year, however, a quostionairc submitted to the 
audience indicated there is a greater demand for political topics. The 







13 


.■ ..i *.. r : ? '■ ' • ■ w 

t • 

. •• ' 


'to 


r, r /ior 


i'4 t 


; > I 


3~1 • ' ■ i i-V ■ 




. • i • 

t 

. X- ' 




* a ■ 

. 

« 

I . . ■ . *. V • - • ’ - 

)*XCf 


.... - - .* 


)oq' k ..a«jajS»od cunol pad , Lobirue'* ahnoiil io qxj 
■ . ■ 1 at- O0&099ft’ ft *■ 


" ‘ T • •• , . 

cpj fcomtf oXqoaq dt>^ M ■o^ f)6JpIX/oXr.o. :t rm7^o'iq, ,r 

JiQf j5 : rf: / V Xt/5>iO<f‘ d ■Xtl 0#£fl 3Xld btb 

&r'd p«'\ 


, 


1 ' . ■ - • ' • .Yf ■' 


y 
. . 


- ** % • 

• *’ d - • i'. t ... X, 

% . * • •• - 

: ... c., v .v =,vo*xdnoo 

• ' , " . 

'o3 v£dqs&o-:-o. (it :*>; yjiao-ioa of oer ftonaaXq «*w 


•' vf+< 


. 0- •• •■■ 

s c ,!icctl i#dd'o >■ '• y- ,i ;* /fa;• :r»5b‘*31.. 1M* -«h • - rm*-rtqe’x 

atived - jB-mitriot yd'/.xn .... tzoai odd od of 


si Jo ,j.' :c- f rioirfw , yvvxtf :J- di 

; 

— r.'.i y. . ... ■ ■•' <: 'Oft 


, • ’ k 

n • br.1 ,-j 

. 


v : ini : 

or sir lor? bzt-.yj i or n.^otf jayir- olqooq QtosI: 
y; r I xo iaumnao 03 . xdirfy « f h'i 


03 ~u J '" r « ’1 




nor cT 

nrioT* 

odd 

j V'v)., 


Poyoi 

o 4 «r»if 

dd 

- I Tl :- 

. . 

- ■ • ; . 

scsoo e 

al 


. . 

a 

10 I ? 


rti 

.■ ,'i 3: L* 

f.'JtO 

„ . . . ' 

Oca fJ J 

lo 

J>C ■ « 

• • - 

o"ini' o 


:>-ii 

l ■, 

; *. ir 

* 

1 


> i X 

6 -io 

* * XS 

* •V * 

r’ld II 

odd 

V J ; •; 

i, a** 1 

■ 



>, *y. 


riT 

■ r • 

. * 

-• t • 

' • . ; o- 

vt-itf e 

? 



1 «\C - 'li. ;;j| 

vo a 


; o...- o 


rrTtOO o.r 


si A'w^r s 

ait Mi/ntfll S 
r ifto) 83$lX.onif;ot . S 
. *x93«linrlcf • ..." 
UtOOlIOd )i.r l 
lo'io.+eloricx S 


. t 


-OftOtt O' 
>\£ 9 VX 3 £/j 




-.oc.r.Y' ; ! \ r>:n?■-.Israel s . 

. - > ' , 

L'O rliOOsC 1 bov&oral a - 
oiljpiipl38ox^» xt ...loVoiroH ,x«i 






:. .’ 0 


, "i ■ , .. • • . 


, 

ti-ooibht osaotbirc 




82 


audience represents a full range of age, income and political distribu¬ 
tion, yet all impress one as coming to this forum principally to learn. 
An objective check on this impression is the increase in library cards 
issued and books drawn out after the forum discussion. 


Government Sponsored Forums 

In the last few years, federal government funds have helped to 
finance forum undertakings through the N.Y.A. Community Forums Project 
and the W.P.A. Adult Education Program. An effort is made to establish 
forums in just thoso areas where forums are not likely to develop on 
their own - and where the community is judged to be in direct need of 
such an organization. 

Of this nature was the On the Lips of the World Forum in a part 
of the Lakeview Community area, where, as the N.Y.A. forum sponsor, put 
it, n The people think it a crime to finish high school." 

In 1936 the National Youth Administration set up its Chicago 
Community Youth Forum Project whose purpose was to service (through a 
Speakers 1 3ureau, leadership training, subject selection, promotion and 
sometimes personnel) and set up forums. Either the staff of an exist¬ 
ing organization was given assistance in arranging and conducting its 
education program, or said workers (chosen from those certified for 
W.P.A.) were assigned to assume this responsibility. Of such a nature 
was the government sponsorship of the above-mentioned On the Lips of the 
World Forum and the three forums in the South Side Negro area in active 
operation in January 1937. 

The latter three-(Young Peoples Forum, South Side Forum, and 
Douglas Community Forum) were started in the fall of 1936. They emphasiz¬ 
ed the special problems of the Negro. Their average audience approxi¬ 
mated thirty-five. Advertisement was provided by the N.Y.A. office in 
the form of neatly mimeographed leaflets. Frequently, however, the spon¬ 
sors got free publicity in the community newspapers. An effort was made 
always to gain through advisory committees, or chairmanships, the co-op¬ 
eration of truly local agencies, so that when the government subsidies 
were withdrawn the forums might be able to continue on their own. On 
several occasions, however, which may serve as test cases, the forums 
automatically discontinued after the initiative and assistance of the 
N.Y.A. directors were withdrawn. Despite deliberate efforts to develop 
community responsibility in their upkeep, these forums do not as yet soem 
vital to the people they seek to serve.* 

W.P.A. sponsored forums in January, 1937, were the Fuller Park, 
Humboldt Park and Civic Forums. At one timo the Fuller Park Forum seemed 
to have a chance of being successful despite heavy odds.It was started 

* Since the time of these forums the N.Y.A. forum program expanded and 
strengthened its bond with the local communities, concentrating more on 
the function of clearing-house and speakers bureau than on that of sup¬ 
ply personnel. But more of this in the next chapter. 





tr* 




f-.. M r 


30/11 , :>5 


lo 3>fC.. 3 I ful 


i£7. ! X 


. 1M-J 


Ibita 

n i * 


z(i F.i.'zil 8Iril oi yyii-coo er oixo aeo'i-ici IjS # xioij 

; t>Jl88 , 0.'J&ir f.{ mJ’b'ii -* jSA5>c»xfo - wi-d o.ot* 

• . • •. • ! • :-V. * U>*£:.%&*%£ -tM* -t&i&'ib.. ‘ 


' < ium.o t '- ..O’lvSfio :?£. J/ton.TiOvoC- 


J jboqXovr,/i sixxol tff/ocurfovoj 

j3.r,ri t i B.;unc n I ,;;rh' 

J • , . . . T ftlfc'i 

' . 

,'ro x> > -T doc-'j r ! j - 




+ /tT 


A*Y.!a -;:{i xvi-^Girfj ?. ijh?lorru; .-jnc 
.. ; ■ ' , U'*-. it'Shk 


sn y •> .• i:•■. ; r v. 

;?• ; ■ ,T- : " .'!■••>■ ' : '•.■/. ... v f 

>‘i >.. :'i.. " j**f&■»' 


• 3 .'•- 


. li 3 



. ... • - 


/s oo:‘T3s od a/dv . >socpt jyq ©aery.’ doo^c'i'G nun o'.', rkut/ y .’. ■■ -:.oO 

-V : . ‘ •v’.yqS 

.■ ’ ■■. !.s ; • "i . 

■....: ,• : ffl * . : ■ • 

. 

. V'i. f iixvrri.' ' y,. J 


•I. 


'fiuira i 

•;>i-; 'to at- 


- - «-4 

[ 1* ‘ r 


k 0 


, ■ . ■ . 


. : ... . \. <i. .... f . ' : ' . • • 

,IT , h i P, 

» V li'. I. V 1 5 .'ill G «i 


t • : i ,... r.v ' . . • , 4 /. 




i. 


ItflO* . ■ ;U . : . 

IT .3£61 lo XXjbT: orfi ixi &ed*tBde »iow (csino'l yd • 

, 'i.; -' -t i": • . V:K :*' V-/-.G • \ . • ‘ ■' 

r'i *A«Y«T( ©rfi . v: ' 

, ' ■ , V f 1 V^. : • • > ’ 

, <zzifoTxs,--:-;..-:.-,.: _ ■ .. ./• ,-yt 4.108 

• : ^SKO'td - a, pi. 

ixxojanio-y y •.•:• -r. 

• rj--' *nwq . . • 'Oi ;; ■■•..'••.. . . . . : 

•. . .J. .: ■ ■ ■. ,.' J .:; /<■' - i. ••••• ■. ' G-1 » • '. . : '• . ' 

• fKl'l&s&h'tU %ii . s^w. f }n oy.V .;*{ Xisoid. - - 

. .x.’--V-'. !>. tot 7. Bt^doouift 4 
zmrti \<i \ " t '. ' ■ 

• ^ T” . t .V .* -.s- ‘j ^ ■' i ... £ ’ *. ; { 


n*)CC 


Y/. 

TlOO 


.•»...>/ 


• - r ; • 

i.r iOc o'l >n -icI-. •! ;» - Vi i j ocu-> j •tr.ru-iO'H* oiviO f . :M •. .••«('/ 

bod*rv . 4 2 ai*w dl' % 3 iuo. yvcod-., ; , . t o« 

• ... . . .: 


no OiCiH 
-a.ua lo 


o ,sof J 7iU>iraaoo oiit ciitn cuicmS edi Xoao.'l.".; 

A : . ’ . v' . - • 

. •■ '. > . i. •.. ..} : . : :‘ f • ;■ • ;.. .- . . » .: t 


«• 

•• r 





83 


in January, 1936, by a W.P.A. worker who had been sent out to the dis¬ 
trict and left much to his own discretion. Ho regarded forums as the 
best means of integrating existing local organizations; he set up a fo¬ 
rum committee with representatives from such agencies as church, park 
and press. The monthly lectures scheduled were informative and practical 
with emphasis upon local community problems. Despite this, cooperation 
was lacking. Over half the people hero were on relief, conservative, and 
Catholic. They never heard the word '’forum' 1 before. A local priest ex- 
pressen a widely prevalent sentiment when he said, "We have been here 
fifty years; we have had a regular routine that has always been satis¬ 
factory, and we see no need to change it now," Existing organizations 
felt that any new undertaking might deprive them of members, and the com¬ 
munity newspapers were not interested in giving publicity to discussions 
with which it disagreed. Moreover, the W.P.A. was resented as an unreli 
able innovation which, though here today, might be gone tomorrow. The 
forum director’s summary is "The people here are like a stone wall." Ac¬ 
cordingly, when he was transferred from the community in March, 1937, the 
forum was discontinued and even the already scheduled meetings were can¬ 
celled. 

The Civic Porum meets in the County Building at 6:30 P.M. week¬ 
ly. Its W.P.A. sponsors had hoped that this time and place would facili¬ 
tate attendance on the part of the Loop workers heretofore unacquainted 
with forums. Only to a limited extent was their expectation realized, 
however, for at least half the audience is composed of elderly fellows 
who live in one of the areas bordering the Loop, and who regard the fo¬ 
rum as a good, cheap form of relaxation. The remaining fifteen or twen¬ 
ty-five members of the audience may have been attracted by the particular 
subject or speaker announced in newspaper or circular. 

Least successful of these several government sponsored groups 
was the Humboldt Park Forum. In order to be housed in a public school 
building, it had to meet in the middle of the day; this inconvenience 
of time limited attendance largely to women; and in this poor foreign 
neighborhood of mixed nationalities, few womon could afford to take time 
off for education, especially in the middle of the day. Hence only a 
handful of local housewives took advantage of the full program of lectures 
and tours offered. 


Summary And Comments 

Thus we see that non-partisan community forums have come to be 
established in Chicago under five difference auspices, social service a- 
gencies, religious organizations, special non—radical associations (civic 
or professional), community groups, or federal government. The auspices 
under which the forum is held influence the nature of the meotings. But 
locality and sizo of audience are at least equally important. Thus cer¬ 
tain forums (e.g., those of business and professional organizations) must 
locate in the center of the city. Obviously audiences as large as those 
of the typical synagogue forum cannot actively participate in the program 



Ov 


ir #/4 


v);. 


o t' 


«*• 

(3 










r* | *♦ 




j s ^ 






j * i. * 


.'X 


« < 


OC'J 


i A 




?£j'i 


*> v r r , 


p r- 

'. A 


71 

»* 






r 


' V 


- V *•/ >«' 


It i tj A 


V :. 


v 


% * 


»*. ■%* 




« .f-'V. 


•y r 


9 '- 




? »* 

: • • 


ri» 


v .■ > 

** < * . 


•/. 


I 

U | ,• 


f i 




•' Jr.’Ao 


* i . • 

V * , > •* •■ 




• % 


* W € 

• • ' 


c%<; 

0\> 


;• ••• 


\ ' 
• \ % 


.* ; ..-.-r' -i 


4 •' - ». , ’/? 


’ - - : 


». 


* 


.. • ; ♦* 


• ** 

* ■ 


-* ■• j ■ t 


•. ■ 

• * 




17 • 


•* 


1 ( V 


b'l j 


A ( C 


“1 


V • 


• ( -V 


... 


#r» 

.41 « 


<V 


»<T 


-/ 




■* *' 


r v » 




, ■ • • 
* • - i- r -j 


* . *• * *' -4 # * 

M 4 *.> - 


te :.. cw 


JL 8 *’ 

II ciio 

i*; - in'. T * fY 
• A - C 1 ' 


i • 


., ' * r • 


• ■ V . -. 


.• v 
J 


l iA • 

' « 1 > 


» 


? f * 


VIX 
>3 a i 




i-'* - .. ‘V::-.*, 
» • 




* . 


t- 

*rO - 


r* T /• 


«.« / •- 




J 4 


i*t 


«t »* 




V ^ 4 ,• • # i- 1 *• ' 


r ';i; 

: I 2 2 . 


A f .i 


j 

9 < 


if 


f 1 


fy' a 

/U 


. .» 


. t. . ; 

* • .' # 4> 


A- !•.*'* ' 


• *• 4 

r y 


“i *' 


• <L J 

. »r 


K. • 

11. 


•• * 

j ^ 






,-v - v ; t 4 

» > • • 


^ ».. 


* 


•: j; . ‘ 

J t 

. * • ■*.'• , 

* * •/ v 

. . 


9. .* 


A 


•f 




4* >4 

• . 

>.Xi44‘ •J 




. 1 ^ t 


IT'iTXO I 

. ■ , 




> » 
•4 « 


•* • .' / :*i .• 

/ -. V.7UJ 


» 


i ; v-//- 


/ ♦ 


* 


» p 


% 

• •» 


./i 


O'; L •* 






• . • A 

• . • • ' 

• I 


J * V 


I •• 

J. 


V • l 


- ' 1 


cT7 0J 0 


> <« 


•. * 

i» • 

.j 


#> • . 


V 


• -•* y <4< 

» i/ 

* ' V • 


V V 

• 4 


'• • 4 • • 


2r>\? 




r # • 


&. • 


aoo^o’f 




..• 11 


V ^ •':> 

4 4 . . 

1.‘» 


A. * U 


* •• fi.f •. . 

r?s\! * 


. » 


a* 




‘libvri 


. i V 




r * i 




► •' f f r-j 

• 4 4 . J J. 


' 4 « 


.1 i . X- \ - J 
-i • . •; 


'fi't >4« Ag,-?c>. 

• * i - *. , 


* : ♦ L‘ : « i , V' • ** . 

■.. r '• .*• 

* • ;'f rf* '• ■»> r *. 


J-.-v 


Jl • 


' ‘ if *•. 


(7 JL i J a 1 

Tto . uorl 

VJt 






ri v 


' * < i. r. 


^ ‘XO 

.- J- 
I • • 


4 . • •. ^ % 

V yf)va C» “ • v I 


- • ••* J l . • 

. *•. 4 


• * 


^ JLJ 1 

in. ..4 






. • 




• \ 


i r. • • r 


t» 


V * • . :: . 




•IT - 


"f < 


:>co3 . 

, ^ •• 

•’ 1 ‘ M/ " ^ v 70fl 9 if bv}*‘ r 

M i 


v 




m * v - 


v? 


, r. ■ 

*' ’ V > 


*• • 

r> r 


1 •» «. » 


r*' .t 


*-•».. 

. •• . . . . • ■ r - (. I 

*• >/. 1 »•* V j,i • J ; _ , . » 

• * • •. ■ , • . 

* * i . •* • «** • / / v ' * »-w » • «% * • * • . 

• 4 ' 


• • • i 


C/ 'i 


yfei .. .* 

v .» • •• •«, , 


* •' * iv‘» 

. i? 


DrtJ fiBW 
« Ifif f frr 


. • • 
» 
4 


J *4« 


t» — r r t 

C• v/ , 4. 




v*V 


* .« 


;x./.: 

*4 * . ■ 


«> 


wii 


¥ / % 
/ r • 


** •. . > 




A % \ *A 




x i m i 


jj J -J L i A 


: •» '/■ r c- s '- * . * ■ 

r A#** ^**V * 9 m *« 

• * • 


< ri* 




■ i * : # -f V; O 


ftj 

i.i 


• . • * 

- fc j •' 


; < • * i 


_ 0 

t\ i 


fax j 


* i 


!•* 


t: * 


4 • - 


• .. 


1 •* 


• ■ •: ; : ; : ; 
* * l f • *’ 


t 


L 


Jil 

la 




'l*:zrn 

3 j i. -j U . * ‘ > 






«. • 




.• r 




»» . 


• » .-• r * . 

* • 4 .. 


-\ ' 
% 


_ » * 


' » -• A* * 

» •£ 


•• ■« 


•» «... »r « 

Iff J 1 

5 • 


3d c 




* 4 


\r 


ft 4 • » , «r ty 

i J- 1 «.• . 


-£i OOiVT 

oiVxc; r 

•. D ■ Jj r. 5 

# * • !• - 


:rt:j wno: 

no3 f zz>3iqaxfx 0 ons^.i; 1 

r _ i r_ __ _ f _ » _ 

' *+ /;•. :•• - ^ 

. ‘ • • - ' ■ -■ 


•■k-4 «f 

It . a, 




~IT loim* 

' i Irx ti 




♦ r 


l*A- 


4A 


If... 


X 


• I - 


.1 


All* v.v'i.« 


i / 


.• 


V 


• • 


• • * 

• :£ :>.*4 

' riii^ a- 


^ . j 0 r 

i jZJ 

* 7 1 * * * • 

.... * ^ * 

tjf 



r < 



r 


.... 


1 ;' X* O 0 

p. x nui 

v-i- * L 4 


; ft *>< 

J. < %»s 




■*: V s^r* 
• * 


< •• • 


•. 

t • ‘ • *, » 


■ '■ I f ;j!, 7 


N 
i J 




> < T 


.if 


4 ^ 

• • 4 


•"* « * . , 


1 


•'?V v 
j : ; # . i 


V * ' 4 ri • 

• *^- -• - -*< 

<• 


* *• . 


-• . 


J 

J ' S . 


4>..« .X; 
* X V 

« • 






• »..«■• * 


i . * 


Si' \ ••> 


* : «■ 


f • • t 
• 0 


* J 


9 0 , • 


or. 


* * r? • 


V 




0 /?J O 
::or.u r 

Hiloiq to 
ioidvr Tobr i) 
> ilaool 

3 *1 ^ r o ■* 

J X i L 1 Jo *4 


r> m 


1 4. V 


or!* nl tffnool 

\ ■: ■ 1 ri* lo 





84 


to the extent of those at smaller groups, and the tenor of the question 
or discussion periods is different. The entire theatrics of the meeting 
he different. 

Attendance at status-quo forums as well as at protest forums 
indicates a desiro for other values besides information and discussion. 
Still, as we have said before, to attribute a forum's popularity or any 
individuals' attendance to a single cause is inexact and unjust. The 
desiro for fellov/ship is a universal explanation of all kinds of groups, 
regardless of their specific purposes. The desire for information does 
not exist in a vacuum, but is related to the method by which the infor¬ 
mation is acquired and the purpose for which it is to be used. Success¬ 
ful adult education is rarely fashioned along strict academic lines. 

Of the more recent forunv-sponsoring agencies in Chicago the 
federal government does not seem to justify our faith in mass forum en¬ 
thusiasm while community group forums betoken a real popular interest 
in forums. In only a few cases, however, is the responsible leadership 
so vital to forum initiation and. survival continuously available; con¬ 
sequently community forums which require consistent direction are few 
and far between. 


noi*8iWJp o4J to i o no i'oift' ipiiriia .J* o&orfj to art* 0 # 

S xii;.. >• to aoiTJ# . rittdP © 4 ^ V#coixplill' ‘si aboli^gaoisaxoaiA 

• , ’ .iho'js'r'lli) o<f 

acanot daeiorq • «a .' * a* ac«To} t oup-*api£&a ih QomsthofiA 

' 

oJ 

i 

yf. JS&igtoe pitCf 0; beiai-;: si : ,>xrf. ,£u.*Qcy. r nl JelXO ion 
r . ' . 

oinoteaxi fconolrf*; , ; l ' - < ■ JIrxb^; Iirl 

orfvt casino’ .:i 2 '.• * -' • if . . - - • • ’ - ••• ; if ‘ 

cinol MAI c r dJifit tire b ) tso£;> : 

' 

ghls'iO&Ml oXtflanoqsoi ortJ at t iovowor> t aoe~o wot vfao nl .a^cncl cl 
-«oo :alctel t/rvj 3 -^Iai/ox;nx$noo IcvJv-ura bnr ncilE-i) ini nxrxot o* IaSIv oe 
wot oi - 0 noiiooTib JnoSaisnco aTixrpd? dohir ecunot yflm/nts00 \linastpaa 

.a9?wJod i/st bn# 






PART IV 

BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF THE CHICAGO FORUM SCENE 


CHAPTER VIII. Bird's Eye View of the Chicago Forum Scene 




















. til ' • ' ) •• r 










CHAPTER VIII 


BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF THE CHICAGO FORUM SCENE 


Geography of forums in Chicago 
The Loop 

Areas Bordering the loop 
Jewish neighborhoods 
In and near the university community 
South Side Negro area 
The Forum Life Span 
Speakers 
Topics 

Pro-Forum Organizations 

Adult Education Council 
National Forum 
N.Y.A. forum program 












. r. 32ifi 

■: .: "■ ..W-.v <■■■■.■■ 0 

q>- . - .M'd-* jr>-oC -. => 

/«7 . ; ■: • ‘ • 4 1 

07 • 5*6 * AJU-rt 

- ■ • :■ 

:r. *: ' .■ no i; • . 
tzc‘.. v ^ !<-" ' ” 














85 


We have taken our subject of contemporary 1937 forums in Chi¬ 
cago apart and analyzed the individual parts. Let us put it together a- 
gain, and try to get a picture of the entire pattern. 


Geography of Forums in Chicago 

To look at the map first: where do forums seem to concentrate? 
We find them especially in the Loop and the bordering areas, in the Jew¬ 
ish neighborhoods, the University community and its environs, and in the 
Negro neighborhood. Why is this so? What forums are associated with 
what areas? 


The Loop 

As we have intimated before, in the Loop are found forums which 

(1) expect to attract a city—wide audience rather than a community one; 

(2) have week-day meetings for a membership employed in the Loop; or (3) 
have Loop headquarters or sufficient income to pay the higher rental of 
a centrally-located hall. Hence this area is the home of the civic, ec- 
clectic, and some liberal-radical forums. 


Areas Bordering On the Loop 

The near north side and bohemian colony we find to be the nat¬ 
ural habitat for certain ecclectic forums. Not only do the directors of 
these reside in the area, but they take advantage of its lurid repute to 
attract outsiders, curiosity seekers, who make up for their failure to 
supply atmosphere by their ability to supply funds. Moreover this is 
psychologically the correct locality for forums. Not only is it close 
to the center of town, but it is the area where people with no "sacred 
cows," no strong loyalties to conventional institutions, are likely to 
live or congregate. When nothing is sacred, everything is subject to 
discussion. And discussion has become a habit as vital to the denizen 
of the near north side as gossip to the housewife or "bull sessions" to 
the collegian. 

But the "colony" and the "main stem" are not the only compo¬ 
nents of the near north side area. There is also the Gold Coast, the 
apartment hotels, and the slum in which may be found "the greatest con¬ 
centration of poverty in Chicago." Where there are poverty and slums, 
there may also be found community centers and settlement houses, to 
which agencies, forums are likely to represent a moral value. They re¬ 
present intellectual uplift and political democracy. Settlement house 
forums for the dwellers of the slums exist side by side with hobo col¬ 
leges for the transients and homeless men. 

On the near west side a similar combination of factors has 





zssn'A rw*cqmo*co to loo*,— * *• * :j ^oalsi “-•’ 

- 

9 r i uo V 8 . Iq « t* : ‘ l«i ,a ro£> 

• ^ ^iii. iod - :as ..■ ' •»; -- v*' ■-• ~^q*» —•' -' ; - : - 

:•..- -■•■ v/is < . iU -I* ,*L' id" ‘ l 9 t: f i 

n • .. ifl* ‘ \,f ,i>oori- Ol^iH 

Afidv 


^ ■ w'-Ov? i - r jT 

. 

<•. •:*'qaa qld»i>'' r. # o'' a - • -’■* » (S) 

X- o.t ameoax ♦wbllt^a io «** {oaJ 

,: '.v ;• : . ->d •-•' o t ,•••>: - ■ •• ril . ' - * - r "“ " J ~ «• 

•enurr i ldolh?i- r i- . afflo? s ,oiOo«Xo 


~ 3 f?. if orf o 33it ow Y«oi.oo rtaisroited to.- 51? ; ton lean odT 

to 8‘:•: iib Ji'S ob ■ Lno Sc . .saurvot oJtooXsos ni*2i .o tot *j-- »o>o l*.. 

. • .^ - •■- 33 58*dl 

e: t .eifur • f •• :- ot 'ii i: •■ 1 - • -on: {Iqqifl 

1 v j /#: . , : 3 x ! ^-ot>o! •> ■' -.r .j X® 5i' J -i\;v 

1 1 on .. - Lqo i* w-3fe if* r.. J: . > tMu‘. r. ‘0 o* 

©* ^/aaCil arts ,83© i •:« i :oiO^'^noo o,r #oi*Ic--;ol -: 011 c c>o *,3wr>- 

••r • o/i ;v •, omo- j-j ,-. ..; noii A ,aol%an aih 

o* •>r. 4 o 3^*2 Hi'' io o~: l9$nui. i oS qie&og c.. : i; s o • . i£tu ori* to 

..islyjlioo o . ; 

~o -j ' d* Soa 9i "at&*« oi«£S M odi bru> l!, {; £oi orU Jt/S 
o ,13- si- i ,0 'j oi>l3 d: . t£ ' otis le vSr^i: 

-. ^ 5 r;;.•. t j-i rioiev? .ii cu.»X^ ni i\ LoSoA Sm&Sissqa 

0 *mu:. ■■:. i.'vo;, oio. r todS 9io AT n .r>^. : ;J0 iii ,*.r:jvoq to no * < utao o 

O ,85 lit)* >8 sp:xtOO !v.) ' • '* 1 ■ il-j-.'; 

-«V. *0- Ii- :• OJ vi- iX OT. 7TK ( 89i9fl0;v>» 'itdinvi’ 

• ■Li.- - - >r - * v- ' • I ’lit *ti. f ' tn; Jfloaai / 

-£oo .;.uOi: \J oLis j eixo 'u/ r or to si .IX« > od* iol esirzot 

»nsa ?8 3i *1 •• 1 T :'t 

- o. ; sort ini .. i rlimic . .• x. 





86 


led to the establishment of several kinds of forums for the homeless man 
or for the more attached "ill-clad, ill-housed, and ill-fed," Again as 
on the near north side, forums may bo popular in large measure because 
they represent the full extent of the social life of the men who attend 
them. Whether the forum sponsors are inspired by religious or the re¬ 
volution, or simply amused by a cynicism striving hard to be clever, 
they present an opportunity for companionship rare slong West Madison 
Street, Liko-spirits from different parts of town frequently visit, and 
intellectual interaction is not rare. At tho very least, the forum re¬ 
presents a place to keep warm and kill time. Talk is cheap and the fo¬ 
rum is not only less expensive but more interesting than the movies. 

Small wonder that this area has not been without the' forums for 30 years. 


Jewish Neighborhoods 

The Jews have always specialized in the "manipulation of sym¬ 
bols"; this is true not only of those who have gained distinction on 
that score, but of almost all the Jewish people. The wide-spread ster¬ 
eotype of the Jew who is interested only in "money, money, money" seems 
highly fallacious. For most Jewish paupers and business men alike - 
regardless how successful, or destitute - are likely to want their sons 
to be eminent in the professional world, or at least, well-educated. 

In its less genuine form, the tradition of being intellectual 
is today expresson in the desire to seem intellectual, e.g,, to put in 
one's appearance at a forum mainly for appearance sake. People who make 
a business of foruns capitalize on this culture trait of the Jews and 
cater particularly to them. 

Among radical Jewish people, as well as among their more con¬ 
servative brothers, the urge and habit to articulate and the prestige 
of intellectuality are great. Consequently, their non-conformists - be 
they Christians or anarchists - tend to be forum activists. Despite 
their missionary zeal, they not only tolerate, but invite opponents. 

Here people who were too under-privileged to have a formal education, 
attempt to make up for this lack through a forum education. People who 
are unheeded elsewhere, eagerly seizo the opportunity to address a ready¬ 
made audience. Often forum "cranks" rise regularly - regardless what 
tho subject - to sing the same tune for no apparent social "cause"; 
while sometimes there is a method in this madness - a method that has 
to do with preparing for a supernatural millenium or a scientific revo¬ 
lution, At any rate, the Jew contributes disproportionately to the suc¬ 
cess of forums in Chicago, 


Forums in and Near the University Community 

The forum concentrations we have just observed in the Hyde 
Park Woodlawn areas cannot be entirely attributed to coincidence, Prox- 



dSW. 

* "• - : : 'T<n VhH 

- •: • • • ■ 

: j.jXov 

■ ■- ; ■:> . ' ' ^’SO T. 

1 . .ILoiat 


\7 l» 

ol 

I 3 • • 

- 

, • : • ‘ J ■: • 

- 4 . i v»*v. 


.• f jil. •’ ; - v..:oo- 

: . 

. 

- • 

• • - ■ 

.. fa- •. .. .. 

• .-..‘J o ' 2.•••*■? r " .. •• S X ’ r.v 

• •' - 

‘ 

. 

. 0 ■' . O ’ *v’r.i .H -- J : . C 

.v- -V it riot So jaoa 


' V a. " - -<fi 


\X . 71 ’ 

■ - 1 : - - 4 



87 


imity to the University has probably stimulated intellectual interest not 
only in churches immediately adjacent to it, but in the near-by residen¬ 
tial communities. University professors are more conveniently available 
for local lectures. Moreover, among the people who are active in the 
community forums are several with University of Chicago connections of 
some sort. Here is a district where there is not only interest in pub¬ 
lic affairs, but a potential leadership for institutionalizing the dis¬ 
cussion of public affairs. 


South Side Negro Area 

The clustering in the south side Negro area is not due to pri¬ 
mary community factors, but partially to the choice of this area for in¬ 
tensive forum cultivation by the N.Y.A. forum project and by other ame¬ 
liorative agencies. It is also due to the remaining in an area of in¬ 
stitutions even after their constituencies have moved away. It is ob¬ 
vious that there has not been much spontaneous independent leadership a- 
mong the colored people for public affairs forums. The Negroes them¬ 
selves do not seem to be seeking the discussion way out of their peculiar 
problems; at any rate they are not using the forum method to do so. 


The Forum Life Span 

The forums active in Chicago in January, 1937, vary in the 
number of years of their existence. The following chart describes the 
sixty-two forums listed in the study. The strong predominance of 1, 2 
and 3 year old forums is probably a function not only of recent rise of 
forums in general* but of the short life span of individual forums. 

No. of seasons No, of forums 


1st 20 

2nd 7 

3rd 6 

4th 4 

5th 1 

6th 2 

7th 0 

8th 3 

9th 2 

10th 3 

11th 0 

12th 1 

13th 1 

14th 0 

15th 1 

16th 2 

17th 2 

18 th 0 









.♦.5 . .. : . 

& 9 \ 02 ; • ■. . 1 •••-.. « U* IS 

t row ’ Li i io 

•2*I/rfy*.* dx*. aaun ': if-aK- 

>-■ islfro: nt io: q -n •■>.’**£ t&LH&Soq * list .ojiJjTT ot 

. - if - " "O 






*1 . \s - ' • ’ 

' 

• i as/olt 

Son te &?i 'i vus i. ji-riild-iq 


• : ' '■ 1 or >■'■ 



- J>> ; 

\:L • av is b£*. • \ 5 bn* 

„ . .. £ : . 


, ■ 













88 


19th 0 

20th o 

21st 0 

22nd. 1 

23rd 0 

24th 1 

25th 0 

over 25 5 


The short duration of most forums may woll indicate that they 
do not meet any enduring definition of the wants of the majority of the 
people. 


As wo have intimated there has been no consistent history of 
public discussion in this country. Democracy in both its formal and 
informal aspects has always been confined to a limited number of the 
"People." American myths to the contrary notwithstanding, it has never 
been a comprehensive pattern. Governmentally dominant power groups have 
always found good reasons for excluding others from the democratic pro¬ 
cess which they shared among themselves. Witness, for instance, the 
disenfranchisement of a largo portion of the population in the halcyon 
days of the ‘'pure democracy" of the Town Meeting, 

Extra-governnentally, forums have appealed largely to "Special 
publics" who use the slogan of democracy to present their private views 
to a wider public. When such an interest group assumes the responsibil¬ 
ity of sponsorship, a forum may continue over a long period of time with 
great audience participation. 

Other long-lived forums include (l) those which offer a sort 
of intellectual jag, opportunities for discussion, to forum habituees; 
(2) those sponsored by inspired staff-members of settlements and chur¬ 
ches. 


In what might be called the struggle for existence of community 
institutions, the public forum seldom survives. At the beginning of the 
century, it might have been popular if for no other reason than its be¬ 
ing "something to do," a way to solve the "Sunday problem." Today fo¬ 
rums are just one more demand upon time; they must compete with the tav¬ 
ern, night school, the political unit, and the informal social group. 

These groups - one .and all - offer the opportunity to learn and talk. 
There seems to be no spectacular, unique contribution of the small local 
forum. 


On the other hand, the best known forums, the most substantial 
ones, tend to be those which can afford to buy the most costly speakers 
in the market; programs tend to be built up around the "lure of big 
names." Then as the size of the audience increases, the direct partici¬ 
pation of the average listener is reduced. These forums may grow more 
popular, but only at the expense of those values which alone distinguish 
them from the ordinary lecture series. In following the bid of the box 



i J r I t • i ' 

•dlqMt 


- • 

.. 7 ..if ' .. •- o ■ - .i . • ■ - V 

, 

j t to 

-• JaiiT.) .Liu ■ r. C-. 

rio • • : . 1 > . .. 'mr ■ 

!t .. '# !.:• fr 8-1 :.»i •: - -105 •' i •-) 

.eodo 

. ; . • . * . • ' • 

. ' ... 

- »<Ty<rs£ s«i : 




89 


office, they may find themselves in the uneviable position of the modern 
lyceum, which has dbgetated into a largely Commercial venture* 

The explanation foi* the popularity of these large forums (like 
that of the lyceum) may become the ’’communal ennui” of their patrons 
rather than their intellectual curiosity or political interest. Not only 
are large forums unwieldy, but they ore threatened with the intense he¬ 
terogeneity which Lord Bryce acknowledges as causing the destruction of 
the town meeting. 

Despite these unfavorable prospects for local forums, there 
seems to have been a large number which commenced activity in the 1936 
season. If we attributo to historical accident those whose origin we 
do not fully understand, there remain two major explanations for this 
accelerated growth; government sponsorship of forums, end the election 
campaign# 

The entrance of tho government and government funds into fo¬ 
rums has had two direct effects; (l) a sort of artificial respiration 
is provided for those forums which were feebly attempting to stand alone; 
(2) a stimulus is furnished for the formation of new forums. The govern¬ 
ment nay also bo credited with publicizing the forum idea; thus, people 
vaguely aware that they wished to talk over their common problems found 
in the forum a definition of this situation, a cultural pattern. These 
government — sponsored and government — inspired forums are the newest 
ones in Chicago today; but they nay be hothouse products, for we al¬ 
ready have a number of empirical examples of their inability to survive 
when outside support is withdrawn. 

In periods of crises and social unrest, forums would be ex¬ 
pected to increase in number; people’s routines have been upset, old 
ideas are being challenged; new definitions of the situation must be 
found. This is what happened in the early years of the depression. Fo¬ 
rums also grow in tines of an election, for elections represent the pro¬ 
cess of social change institutionalized. Here, unrest is kaleidoscoped 
into the conventional limits of a campaign, and the forum proves val¬ 
uable not only as a political platform for partisans, but as a clear¬ 
ing house of ideas and issues for the interested layman. The presiden¬ 
tial campaign in the fall of 1936 heightened the general interest in 
public problems and propaganda came to the fore; decisions had to be 
made; the forum, along with other methods of assembly and communica¬ 
tion, enjoyed a sudden rise in popularity. The Progressive Lawyers 
Club and the South Side Liborty Forum aro only two examples of forums 
which were founded avowedly to meet the election issues. Others rose 
on the wave of heightened political consciousness. Then after the elec¬ 
tion, when the excitment died down, they began to disappear, so that by 
January, 1937, there was barely a trace of them. 

The threat of war may lead to the rise of forums, but our 
participating in the war will very likely cause them to be gagged or 








>q i .i't - I i • • • • • ~ •: •••’ r 

. •; j ' ■ -winter 5 i" -I'i. '" *<ja30xx 

..... - . 4 .{• •.'.• - •• • - •' * 

. 

V . • Vf ;€..••*' a.-, iO**B f.srv ,.H T r ,o i»J 

( 

i r .,70 '-:rr - - cv3 v.;.»% .. ,to 1 <*'*: 3QO 

. -.rev'. V - ■ r.vy.'ij . ■ ■• ' 1 

?iqaw 0 




.? r< mr•; <w~ ton • r -u ■ '■ ' 


■ - -■'it • • •”■ 


*0 : jgiU> o Jbj < ••'•••'" 


br-blvoia #2 

• • aoltr ■ . . xo’r • ‘ J; . - ** • ■.-■- ( 

•• . V ■•- . * !■ ’.• ' . X. J .1 • 

. 

:*•; U 3 'r: .. ■■■;.. ■ ' ia..-nxqps« *•- ladwaa it avra! %too 7 

n,7 »i J10 • ..ya s»t*s - norfv 

• {yi • »,-■ ; r, . ‘ & ViX ■ .’.0 - -'bOtX' 1 '* • 

; r :•. • - ;'v.o . ‘v; ? t :• r.ffc *toi/ol 

H OO * * ‘I,; • 

- • kuj- • U* • ■ ’ ’• - ;;T * 

jir ..'••• - ■ l.ti r a 90 ■■■ .■'. * ok . *•'•• 

.... .. t l . r •-•■•: • '...‘ 0 *\ ?%fl t 

. . 1 ■ ■ t ■ ' ■ 

v*• 0. «. u-.i.’.Uor ■ i ■«' ■ 

vr '••! . ' • ■- - 1 

' 

.J.,: • •■-.-Si* lr ■ 1 r. u r*C 


iro 
> 1 


•'■an eri.i • - . ■ s • ’.* ‘ '• •»<? 

• jov, • j vf-.-i,. .■ s " -1 ;--.i t 


90 


modified beyond recognition* 

As we have indicated in this chapter, there is not only a time 
but a space correlation between forums and unrest, with indigeneous 
forms most likely to occur in areas of great mobility (like the central 
business district, the hobo's "main stem," the bohemian "colony" and the 
Jewish neighborhoods,) This relationship is being upset, however, by 
the growing respectability of forums* As the forum idea gains the sanc¬ 
tion of adult educators, or trickles down from the pariah on the soap 
box to the man on the street, it is likely that an opposite correlation 
might develop between forums and social organization (as in the Woodlawn 
community in Chicago,) Those areas v/hich have the most intensive local 
organization may come to regard a forum as the ideal expression of 
neighborhood unity* 


Speakors 

Our acquaintance with forums has made us particularly eager 
to know whence como the lecturers on various levels? Why do they offer 
their service to forums? What do they "get out of it" in terms of mone¬ 
tary, social, or personality values? Is the forum regarded by some 
speakers as a means to advance from one level of prestigo in their pro¬ 
fession to another? Unfortunately we arc not prepared fully to answer 
these questions. But some comments would not be out of order. 

Someone has accused the forum of having a personnel similar to 
that of the traveling chautauquas which in their decline are described 
as lacking profossiona-1 standards (anyone can be a lecturer) and con¬ 
stituting a rofugo for misfits (especially in the teaching and preaching 
professions) and the commercial minded - the "professional entertainers, 
of the lecture platform" - as well as a show place for celebrities (peo¬ 
ple with legitimate reputations in other fields, but without either the 
mentality or the art to be good lecturers*) 

This statement is not without its ounce of truth; nor is it 
an accurate account of the situation. An occupational survey of lec¬ 
turers at Chicago forums of every kind was made by the present writer in 
1935, It posits a rough classification of speakers into three groups: 
(1) those who volunteer their services or accept negligible stipends - 
almost always local men with few if any Who's Who ratings; (2) low 
priced lecturers (under $50) who are usually of local origin and local 
repute- (3) high priced lecturers (over $100) supplied by nation-wide 
bureaus - almost always out-of-town men with frequent Who's Who ratings. 
It finds that local lecturers, found in the less prosperous non-paying 
forums, are frequently laymen, but associated with some political or 
civic organization vrhose cause they are eager to publicize. In these 
same places there is a noticeable number of attorneys who offer their 
service gratis. Civic-nindodness, the enjoyment of lecturing, the 
pleasure of having an audience, the opportunity to become better known, 
are probably all factors in their willingness to volunteer time and 




v« • .! «v ' - - ’ * 

. i jutol **:-cns<J*» iv 1 • ** 

.•D ** .v . i> r riA: • ic ,6 ■'i>«> il-'-'-' 

. . .,; I ■■ ■:,■■■' ••••- oi xo<f 

... • • ■ ^ 

• ‘-:V; (.o S r.i V 5 *'-*' 3 

- ”• ' ’ olj *** 
v.i tf hoorfriii'i. * IT 




. , 0 -;•• ,..., . • ftbr,A - r.-i • r j r ^jaMnUutpty. va 

; k ’’ ‘ : £>' -• wo/tjl O#|j0 

•; - oh / ■ - : i : ' ' tv 'rao 

* - -Zoo» 

*• ■ ■ 

• . i . ... • • - • 

■ r . •.* v.mc Jufi «*fl •'-■* Cijori-t 

,. ; i flU/TOl -'••* • ' 1 aoco--. 

, . , •• i -. ‘1 ... . ... ’ "1 t/■•:-•{ * 

4. • •• - ‘ • •• 1 ' 

i . ’.■■■■■' ntc 'io-;q 

i. ,iibi-jfr . ' -- 1 - v;:.i . oi .-.Jiv »Xq 

- *> * • f c nn . • ■ ‘ iX ar 

,/ ... >■.% . 4 . r / ■ ' a#: *u 

•, .a .. ■■ . .'• • 'stioo* a* 

»tf«rT aiisoq 1 

• t •'• • >•-.* i .. • uLor : J if) 

: v • i , iri- i 

i ‘ f ■ ■"■ ' * ■'/’ '.’7 "Vi l>90M| 

# ...... . .•■ ’ , • - *, 

ix ■ ■ ri * ‘ «ii-“ • \iiaa ( 

... •, : - , •:. }•;•. r,tvi» 

to** • - ' • V* •' ' • Of*-’ *' *•• «“** 

*/:«,/ ••:;•: !- - 1 . . oftnn-ahriO •el*-.’ • ot -. • 




91 


talent. Teachers and ministers also speak frequently. But they, like 
the doctors who are not scheduled as often, tend to he not the average 
of their occupation, hut, to some extent, dissenters or revisionists. 

The Chicago Council on Adult Education supplies low-priced 
mostly local speakers to organizations with moderate budgets. 

A number of hooking agencies with headquarters elsewhere as 
well as in this city, provide high-priced lecturers to such forums as 
those of the synagogues. They offer statesmen (or politicians), scien¬ 
tists, celebrities, newspaper men, and a number of that new class of 
professional lecturers. Rarely are they Chicagoans, for their very dis¬ 
tance lends enchantment. Booking agencies try to arrange for their 
speakers to fill all engagements in one city around the same time, so as 
to economize on traveling expenses and time. Thus speakers are in sea¬ 
son in the intellectual resorts of the city, much as strawberries - or 
artichokes - might be in the best fruit markets. Moreover, their indi¬ 
vidual prices might vary in inverse proportion to the amount already 
bought and paid for. Thus one forum at one extreme of town was happy 
to get a very popular speaker at $400, because that speaker had to make 
a trip to Chicago anyhow, and had one $500 engagement already. Under 
these circumstances he is likely to give the same talk at both forums, 
but to phrase their topics differently. Thus the lecture, "Stalin and 
Hitler" becomes, for duplicate purposes, "Is Russia Going Fascist?" 


Topics 


In almost all ‘forums the declared purpose is presented in such 
terns as "citizens," "democracy," "collective," "human brotherhood," etc. 
In political forums, however, the aims are not so general. They pre¬ 
scribe not "human brotherhood" at large, but a particular approach to 
human brotherhood; not just "citizens" but a particular type of "cit¬ 
izens." Their aim is more immediate. Their methods of achieving it are 
less vague than "social education." Under those circumstances it can 
well be expected that there is a differanco from forum to forum in the 
selection of topics and the arrangement of programs. Some groups sys¬ 
tematize their offerings around a central problem. Others dramatize 
their variety and the novelty of each presentation. Lecture titles may 
strive to bo dignified or to be spectacular. Attendance may be urged 
on the grounds of the urgency of the problems presented, on the amount 
one gets for ones money at the forum, or on the desirability of democracy, 
education, and civic literacy. 


A p*overnment survey of American forums reveals that the most 
popular discussion topics in 1934-5 were (in order of their importance:) 
international situation, economic recovery, fascism and war, new deal 
legislation, and liberty and democracy. In general our observations 
show that current political and social problems are by far the p*eatest 
concern of forum leaders, with, as wo have said before, national and 
international issues more popular than local ones. Whether this is be- 


lx »*C- : '.((2 sir rtoitl.i or or-.-/, , *.w 

7 . ■ ,n to - i :.orv ? 01 on- rtt 

■ 

I oO - T 

.. . - . r; >;yi v. iJtOu' " - .'V.'i <*• 

»■' • ' 1 oeorfil 

• • x ... i - ,< -C ; :: - 

•>: ,e ’ wi;; \ i i & •«*? H* f >1 Xi'-M ■ ' 1 

1 ;r i r- —■.. •! OOAAi 

■ 

c is ni <xoal 

• .tiul . ;• r iSJ •; ml i«c >«' atf 3 fa a*' - r 

f 7 v ; i yrjjv iil.ro et» • >; .. . lr 

X »CC 8« .tot MilCf .. ©<f 

. 

.•; > .• , ■'*-■■ qK' ■' 

V.J 3 . ziztr ■■ 

■ 

?.;, ; ;« 3 ir- ,86 iv dice icl t #octooo<f . • ’ i- 


i .:• : 

' i -••■ .. . ..■>. gemot 1 eor.I il 

. . i-IXoi ■ '" ! , • -s' 

# Ii • . oi 80 r rcTi frr-jiil'•••■. 1 

«=» ii. , ■ 1‘C'Orf 1 iJOTK r. • • : CC'.’IOR 

• j ■ • . 

o*t for.'- • co Haw 

e ■■ ■ - 

: • . .. i f: o i .■ • 

i vsc. oosutf neisk ■.‘i&lvOBtooqs : • . ,‘Yh<i 

:q < io~q : .3 'to j i. i 1 c aLax/c-^ .».-w no 

,\r -oc: to \.i i‘U ■>•’ .■ MO*; : 3 30.10 *x : •■. .:o 

. St II : o i>fto 4 aoXiACixJb# 

: - . 2 X 0 - 7 : stir •.1 .• . 7.-r.A 1c v/. r: ij ... ;jv A-. 

( : . fsi : ^o i •- t) - --SOI . s :.oJq< r.->; - .= r-'-s i :> -r .ilt • •. 

: 

•-i ... 4 ' 11 .. •: i;r! •• .»X 

■ ,'/■ Ir ioliilov. v.oi-i - j. ' *• .rie 

, . no • ;• 

- ' cir 1 i O. . do . n ••. l oq : goalsi ir-a ' • : r.; 



92 


cause, as Commissioner Studebaker fools, the problem of local interest 
"can be understood rather satisfactorily by people without the help of 
organized discussion groups," or because of local affairs it is too easy 
to step on important toes, or because home problems are not so inspiring, 
we cannot say. 

Topics of theoretical social sciences - explanations of money 
or tariffs or slums - seem to be the next most prominent group of sub¬ 
jects (although they represent less than half as many lectures as those 
on current events) in Chicago forums. 

Lecturers on psychology are currently in vogue. Somewhat loss 
popular are topics of general medicine, religion, travel, and literature* 

Dobatos and symposiums heighten interest as do novelty perform¬ 
ances by believe-it-or-not men or actors, so that one is lead to suspect 
that like the audiences of Chautauqua, a good many forum fans appreciate 
lectures which "arc diverse, not too serious, calculated to entertain as 
much as to enlighten, and yet not depreciated to a mero crowd appeal," 


Pro-Forum Organizations in Chicago 

Among the local agencies interested in general forum promotion 
are the Adult Education Council, the National Forum and the N,Y,A. forum 
program. 


The Adult Education Council of Chicago 

The Council has since 1925 been sponsoring a clearing-house a- 
gency for all forums of adult education - literary, musical, and voca¬ 
tional* until 1929 it operated under the name of Chicago Forum Council, 
"for the promotion of inter-group under standing and'good-will, and free 
discussion of public questions from all angles," It was supposed to be 
"deliberately non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-propagandistic," The 
present nnme was assumed when it merged with the Adult Education Confer¬ 
ence, continuing the same program but with added features. 

At the present time it counsels forum leaders, operates a 
speakers* bureau, and until recently, conducted the Chicago Forum. Its 
bulletin, "Educational Events in Chicago" is a monthly calendar of what 
its name indicates. It is supported by membership dues as well as larg^- 
cr subsidies and affiliated with the national organization, the American 
Association for Adult Education, 


The National Forum 


This is a new organization, still in the cxpcrmental stage 






. •* . • : • 




f c io 9 <: 10 


,V,- 9 J : 


x roc ; 2 !ic ' i$ 9 m : os :. T 

JJ [)- J . ix .* - J OJ ®‘ t - effi/X TO ®11 ‘T6- ' . 

• -v . i. a f f ■ ? i. . \x >xfc* ) - . 

, ■ > r.l (e * * j. v i. : no 




•if . c 




r ■ : 

■ " ' -o . ••. r -t 

so a Ifcar vl# o-XI 





-f '</ ’ ‘ » Vf 

. t* 


t L* 1 ‘ 

1 * . . 




• - 

f 


V . • „ , ,t rVI 














# . • / • - 

- » - 




'i . lio/rx . . • o • • oi 





tmj- (J 

- ; s» 


j L - to i: o ^ J J 




o ' : ■■ 




it . . j ;•. 




V » »« 


■ rtc'i— 



ii ufsiA 






OTOwtc:. ac 






••, Vl oirtJ9£. 


■ : :'>5 ..A 




tr 




£ ,- :.2sf‘5 ri "2' r ’ 




. 7 -” ! 




OV- 


■ 












. o. r ’ 1 J. -i 

. ■ • u: .>nrA Btt 






.. . . L'l.W 






I. .. r 


1 r ■- ctJi r . 



93 


perhaps, which seeks to service forums everywhere with visual aids to 
discussion. Born in Chicago in 1936 of "poor but honest" parents, it 
has had to struggle for existence .and financial solvency* Formerly it 
served as "a non-partisan organization for civic and social education: 
to build forums; to provido speakers: to publich materials*" Today it 
concentrates largely on the latter function,while working in close co¬ 
operation with other forum-building agencies and speakers bureaus# 

Its visual materials appear in 3 by 4 feet hand-painted charts, 
in slides and films and in booklets entitled, Economic Problems Visual¬ 
ized, Cooperation Visualized , Health Problems Visualized, International 
Problems Visualized , Health Problems Visualized , and Special Problems 
Visualized. 


The spirit and program of the organization is doclarod in the 
introductory paragraphs to Social Problems Visualized (a compilation of 
materials fron all preceding booklets): 

This book prosents in simple and graphic form 
the more important facts, viewpoints, and problems 
of our social life. With the aid of picture and 
color it gives the findings of scholars and of 
institutions of research* 

Following the usual policy of public forums, in 
some instances the pictorial and discussion materials 
present contrasting points of view. These are, of 
course, not to be interpreted as being the points of 
view of the editors themselves. 

The effort is herein made to present the facts 
and issues of social life so interestingly and clearly 
that the average young person and adult will be challenged 
to serious thought and intelligent action. 


N.Y.A. Community Forum Project 

The activity and scope of the N.Y.A. community youth forum 
work has increased enormously since the 1936-7 season, despite the fact 
that several of the forums started under N.Y.A. personnel did not con¬ 
tinue beyond one season. Its affiliates are neighborhood forums through¬ 
out the city, which number well over a hundred now. 

In line with the policy of integrating the forum into commun¬ 
ity life, the N.Y'.A* Community Youth Forum Project was superseded in 
January 1938 by the Chicago Community Forum Service, sponsored by the 
National Forum and the Adult Education Council, and supported largely 
by N.Y.A. funds* 

The Announcement of reorganization explains: 

The necessity for this reorganization was brought about 
by the dosire of the officials of the National Youth Adminis- 












'• ?hir\ r.w* *Jh! in aertnol Mins t . r a^ooa tdw * f *<: • ! >. 

1 £ , .,• ; *.• ' "* 80 uto.' Jyd iocq" lo ? at fli <n%>: *nold8uoelA 

Jj *,*!•/..■ idfc* -£vIoe XoJotf n . oonattizt sol o. OJ ■■r' «Aii 

iaotioTub9 Irloce but oivJto -sol nolUt&tuBgtc .i&*lJ?*qraQti * w a:, jy-vue 
ji "*«Xa4i»A&c AjIIoi: ; :*7.si,oq* odlwxq o* ; * ' *-••'• * ' 

~oo oqoLo ui aalotsov oXk.w f isoiioa«l' rr.oJ7rI wtt no ^Xajyi v aoJauasonoo 
, ;r : aico-L* ;>•£:' fert'*- so .U;/ oys. X L. '—runcl toiiio xnulricoqo 

'•Jxacfo 6o."Klr.q*i>rind jo,'i A \;<J ft ci linqr slr/liolrn liursiv ?.vtl 

t/ v* I? rr** olr.oao^a , aJoI: * l ffllil rl 

’:>;■”;•/ ’ /' JT; ;D.^T7 r /y.^:*lTr'-.l_i*sk *• a - J *£°i£ 

•* * 

;..» 5u ''I.';oi» ajt . •• 1." vm.-'- .. he ttit qa -: f T 

lo aoo *) 6ogXItt :V ab .X ;a1 ■ ,. y > r rn irq r :J.: ‘ i 

I ( 3 J »I jF* 7TT v til ho »o -x >' ■ ;« noil ai'iidion 

aneirfoiq bur. .sJnlcqiroiv t etou1 Joafioq ml «ion Oiii 
;.• : ■••Uflolq lo Mr orfJ dii* .all! teioo* iy lo 
lo ... ai^Xoiio# v *•• i' - * J-' : •• ;»vi.:. Ji ?oXoo 
•rfoiaaao’i lo afloiu.Jilaal 
Hi t '?mnol oildaq 1c ^oiloq hruav o*. »X*aZX<X 
■ •.. ..osit . ; i • • 

lo oeorfT *v/o.iv lo ainloq c niJ^ iJ/ioo faoaaiq ^ 

lo ain -I oil* cisd a.c X>oJo , ufxoJx:u od oJ Jon ,9e*uK>9 
•eovXottaodJ 8ioiibo o: 3 Jo wolv 
ajoal arij Jreeaiq oi abm nl'rtnd ?i ^iclla oil? 

^X*t6> lo lwi.r. •iljyillesiftd.il oe oliX Xatooe lo seimui baa 
h^nellads &<f Slt-v Jlubr. bus noanoq &nuov jdi SadS 

*0oIjoj 3 <a®iUX®?o ; biu o;v..n |U auoiism oJ 

¥ 

Jootoi^ ratno'S xiluitmu 0 ,A»Y»K 

ourrol ttfiuox *{j thimsoo lAtttl antt lo oqooa 6. ^xivi-Joa orlX 
?. :;’i r?,i. oJliaon ,;;oe/--8 '"-dcei ; ' ! ooaia v. «•. ••• • -vsov. ■ ... <&o .-• ,;ui %,ad 4«QP 
-;iov .?o« bib loti :ioaioq ,A.T.K lohrto b>.fi Is iaur.oL •:.' lo Xafs^vo* fjNtt’ 

Winol jboorflodriTj’.Ol Oir 2 , 'll O^t ViCV'f -•- b« V. •. <f QiSttii 

»woc Boubw « iovo X 'ow n .'rv.: ioj lo «il Jyo 

oinjc ' xol aril lie odnt ac a. : « onii . T 

,1 ri...3ioq-va sow lootoo*? nmol' : '/ ’ • -V 4 J .1 ./: ««*!;.! . -•. * 

yi btnoBttoq ,*K>irxo 8 surjo'5 yilom v 05 .id- 0 • " : k'u 

•x'-.X !•«:• »?oq<wt l>f ,X/o f{>0 fleic • L. . u mrioi X.‘?.r:o HeM 

.abuuJ .k.?.Yi \ ! 

S fulfil qK9 0 j ^oat lo U :. no smtouu k ec ? . 

• yoofl «£ . MlfU^i t »JWi 10 1 as 000 a oriT 

i a V XwoitcL wii lo triolYi: . 1c 1 . odi 











94 


tration of Illinois to have the sponsors of the Project 
assume full responsibility for the program in name as 
well as in fact. Consequently, tho new set-up is de¬ 
signed to place complete control and responsibility in 
the hands of local agencies. This is a wholesome stop 
toward a forum movement which is privately operated and 
financod* However, the National Youth Administration 
remains vitally interested in aiding the development of 
group discussion and education on public affairs and 
social problems, and it will continue to assist the 
sponsors in their endeavors with the same staff and ser¬ 
vices as it provided the N.Y.A. Forums* 





- : v ' 10 7* ' ' -VJ01 Iti' 

r . • . . ••'■■■. ■ 

r v. : i ' 1 -I. ; . y'/i OJ J . 

•i : . '.j ' Jir ' . ■ *v < - 

: V .; • ■ -ij-i - .: - ' -' • ri 

. . 

. . . • • . : ; , : • • 


»A * S - . -X-- 2/ 00 








PART V 


EVALUATION 


CHAPTER IX* Evaluation 









CHAPTER IX 


EVALUATION 


What do they get out of it7 
The claims for forums - a criticism 
Forums as discussion 
Forums as democracy 
Forums as adult education 
Forums as unity and community 
The future of forums 

In times of turmoil 
In times of calm 
The radio 
Conclusion 












.. 7«v 3 

W1 -3JJ&S 

f.: Xo rci icj. v. 

oaioiJhta s - amn 10I st*i.»l 5 urfT 

' 

Va^isot- a* ant * "* 

. ■ :..> L.< v , 

' 

L : ?'i I i »*i .ttr'i Of-.V 
Uocrr :.f *10 • "iv 

alCtJ.to 2 CMS i ^ cl 



95 


What Do They Get Out of it? 

What is the upshot of this all? Where do all these forums 
"get us" Who is benefitted? Unfortunately the methods of measuring fo¬ 
rum effect are limited and subjective. Counting noses gives little in¬ 
dication of forum influence. Moreover, forum sponsors who almost in¬ 
variably exaggerate, are the only source of data on average size of au¬ 
dience, It has already been recognized however that forum constitu¬ 
encies vary, and that to different ones the forum represents different 
values and satisfactions. The main attractions of a forum may not be 
the same to all comers, and we can analyze forum effect in terms of the 
peculiar reasons different kinds of people have for attending forums: 

(1) The people of the forum world to whom forums are life it¬ 
self, or a major portion of life, seek not only intellectual enlighten¬ 
ment, but social companionship, and the opportunity for porsonal ex¬ 
pression (which nay vary from individual exhibitionism to missionary 
duty*) In the case of the ’’forum addict," an intellectual dissipation, 
a gloating over words yields am almost sensuous pleasure, 

(2) The well educated who are platonically attracted to things 
intellectual, appreciate particularly the expertness of speakers avail¬ 
able at forums. To them, the latter is merely one way of many by which 
they continue their academic pursuits and retain their amateur standing 
in the ranks of the intelligentsia. A less charitable view of such well- 
balanced liberals cones from one of their type: 

There’s quite a tribe of us at large in the world - 
fair-ninded citizens who understand the cries of the 
underdog, see through the greed and stupidity behind 
injustice. And who can't for the life of us feel any¬ 
thing. We hover on the sidelines of all passionate 
events, and entertain ourselves with discussion . .* • 

Talk. Talk. Talk. We're always on the right side of. 
discussions but never on any side of the barricades. 

We're vocabularies hanging over all the battlefields,* 

Some of these are cultural radicals to whom proletarian art and revolu¬ 
tionary culture are dearer than the revolution itself. 

(3) Much more passionately involved in discussion are the 
radicals to whom the forum rostrum is close cousin to the soapbox and 
just one step removed from the barricade. In the forum sponsored by 
their own organization they find comradeship and morale for continued 
agitation. 

(4) Then there are people who chance to come to forums as they 
might to any kind of a function their organization or community backed. 


* Ben Hecht, To Quito and Back (New York: Covici and Friede, 1937), p.59 



- , - • ■ ' •- ■ ~ . 

• • • . - ■ I 0 - *=■ ~ 

. 

$R 

■ 

to vAtf* »$xlx i • ••)£> XIr 0# •’ •' 

•sr.ilmtq 

• 1 ^ ■ 1 ™ 

V*i docnv) oc tc "5'iq 

. '•vo • ’• 't 

• •■ oi bofa 9i 

t Xl- • - J * 7i.r ■ •:.•»',.•■• tir;- ■•£.: w;. t 

CO T«rf* 

S . 

; . a r »1 rf ’ ’ ■■ -. f 

a mtXiSp fi*JZor!7 

. 

. • • — • • : . * • : 

B. 

• • • . "r~ . :r vw,v . -••«*• 

■' ■ -v. «s*U. . *T 

v' <rr r’®* 

.:r C;o o*« 9? *• ft •fcf 3 
,t*b ■-■ ■ I 'v yiiwioii . 

'< V {l 

.J3 I'Lr.olbmt I 

: • • I 

■!• - - •'ft 

«£10 ' ■ I 

. ' ua (f 

1 u ”.o 6'! j1 


. ( « . **<) fii$ oT i;< r • 





96 


This they do out of loyalty to the organization, to ho a "good fellow" 
or an intollcctual fellow, or simply through appreciation of the pecu¬ 
liar values of a forum, Generally they do not go to forums to he sen¬ 
tenced to an hour of hard mental labor. They go to he intellectually 
stimulated, and incidentally to relax: or to relax and incidentally to 
he intellectually stimulated. 

Of course between these several extremes, peoplo with varying 
degrees of the foregoing incentives constitute the hulk of forum patron¬ 
age, They find in the forum the opportunity to hear an expert point of 
view expressed by a speaker whose personality they may watch as they 
listen to his words. They have some opportunity - more or less limited, 
directly of by proxy - to challenge these views, and to he part of the 
excitement of the interchange of ideas between the rostrum and the floor. 
Important also is the rhythm (appreciated by church goers and club mem¬ 
bers and all humans who "belong" to groups) of seeing the same faces at 
regular intervals in a place where one feels at home, As in all human 
gatherings, people seek social contact, fellowship, and recognition. 

Certainly forum activity can be found which is the product of 
the sincere urge to be informed, end to participate intelligently in 
this thing called democracy. Those intellectual civic drives do exist; 
but they have been ovor-emphasizod by rhetorical forum supporters - fre¬ 
quently to the exclusion of equally important but less "noble" factors* 
Any comprehensive study which is neither solely idealism nor solely muck 
raking must include both the rational and non-rational factors in at¬ 
tending public forums in Chicago. 


The Claims for Forums - A Criticism 

It has been seen that the picture of forums as community cen¬ 
ters where ordinary citizens of all classes and background come togeth¬ 
er, check their prejudices and emotionalism at the door, and grow civic- 
ally robust in the air of toleranco and objectivity - is a highly ideal¬ 
ized one - end one which does not square with the facts. Which then, 
of the fond hopes and claims for forums have been realized? Some of 
these can be delusioned or substantiated by logical or historical, con¬ 
siderations; others, by reference to the foregoing study of forums in 
Chicago, A systematic review of claims and counter-claim follows. 


Forums as Discussion 

Some forum enthusiasts look upon open discussion as a sort 
of crucible in which prejudices and falsehoods disintegrate and a resi¬ 
due of truth and fact remains; it is said to serve as adult education¬ 
al function by providing for "creative group thinking, and a democratic 
function by permitting all to share alike in this process. Sophisti¬ 
cated writers compare social discussion to the inter discussion of the 
mind which John Dewey calls "reasoning. 



















»'-,v • • ’ • > ■ - • (I od "•.? 

• to 0T, - rKx/cAft-J v . 

... vf o. #.*x • >* , < I I ’ ' ^ ' • r - :0 •' 

, ■■ ; •: >Jc ■■■ - 1 ■ * M 

. . II :<n xa|.« tSO;Jar.-j bn ,b< lumlity 

, v U* ’ ■ ' i ’ • '1 :>*$ 

• 

^ It- oXq< ..onr-vrft * < *> **’ : - 

: ' rwr:.''* c a££x ■' ■ ■ *9v;*i- ;i Jfli. • & ! ' : * 

to J isr; » x»: o* v*. W[<fO *r * ' --ri 

* t \(d* i«-. < 

* v'- ( • v 3i » 5 *' 

- U ■•••; OJ btu 2v 

,\00lt • iT««.f3C7 «*. . - lAd U ’ ••■ ' 

j A i xti ynx -0® lo .. ** ■ * ftj * ^ iWj 

ill ii aA ,UGK>d J* U i OttO :• OOPi . 

, ; : . ; j ■ i ii ■'■ *• 


> fl . . -id ) l i Ai .. -U 

• , v ; , ><•.•!!; • , aoil^ai *X- :ri.^ tJittl 

' 

J, . ■;•■ , ta bt v.X*»: 

,0! • .? 


II. -. - .1 i'r . 

-v i*r i-u isns . t tooii ! ». 

- _ . \;i ... -■ i - yJlVi . • Xu • ■ - 

' .. -.>T 

. - • • . 



; ?ir • ,-x • < rto •: 










;0* f. - i.aax< B . '. yp Si I! .. ' ' • 

.’•v~ ,n fc v> xursift 0i*.^ - . BO 1 .. - hf» •»! ‘-u ~i>MO 

' 







97 


"The average human being can distinguish between truth and 
falsification if given all sides of tho matter" it is declared while the 
first lady of the land asserts that 

Real democracy and tinderstanding of our 
government may be furthered by free discussion. 

I hope forums will grow in popularity through¬ 
out the country and that young and old will dis¬ 
cuss the problems of the day and methods by which 
thoy may bo solved. 

Anti-forumists maintain, however, that "Discussion can stir up a lot of 
froth, but not make butter." 

The real fallacy in the forum idea concerning the social pan¬ 
acea of discussion seems to be tho assumption of a single truth in con¬ 
troversial affairs, which if ably presented by experts, will achieve 
unanimity based on rationality. Most social truths are really relative 
to the thinker; a question with only two sides vrauld be a dull one in¬ 
deed for any forum. If a forum is to bo effective from a rational point 
of view, it must succeed in breaking down the private stereotypes of 
thoso who attend regularly. Yet while it is common for numerous oppos¬ 
ing stereotypes to be aired simultaneously at forums, few people relin¬ 
quish their pet prejudices. Intellectual conversions do not occur or 
occur only rarely. At best, a qualified forum man tells us, "hearing 
the other side of the argument makes it possible, for an element of doubt 
to creep into your own convictions, even if you do not recognize this at 
the time of the meeting." The one contribution in this regard which 
lies clearly within the province of the forum is to convince people that 
those who disagree with them are not ipso facto mean and vicious. Dis¬ 
agreement - oven on vital issues - becomes good manners. In the process 
some degree of tolerance must arise as a nodus vivendi, a minimum essen¬ 
tial for further discussion. This is no small value. 


Forums as Democracy 

Forums promote democracy, it is further claimed, through the 
encouragement of free trade in the various types of propaganda. More¬ 
over, information presented by experts provides guidance for intelligent 
citizenship. Moreover, it is alleged, forums serve as a preventitive a- 
gainst fascism, because "it can’t happen here" if people are kept in 
constant training for democracy. Forums are the "eternal vigilance" 
which is the "price of liberty." "The forum is giving back to America 
the town meeting of which the growth of cities robbed it" says one com¬ 
mentator. "We need an agora, a forum, a folk-moot, a town meeting. 

Tho task remains of producing national policies that will go between and 
beyond the caveman politics of the Bourbon and the Cubist politics of 
the Bolshevik" says another. 

It has been argued, that not only do forums need democracy but 




'bi: 


r. • 


alirlw bvihloob at ai #, x«. to lobla Its no via 'fi coifsotliaX*! 

jftili tJ'iaaaa fcnM ori* Ja-tM 


iwo ’to &iibtusievobco 'iOAioouob ico H 
^ciaairoaiJ? dO*V ©* X«n icoaumv^ 

-:...;v'<£& .v." Vi ^-It-j .. i <. ^'ii \ L i'i asurxo.': o.prf I 
•gift £XJhr Me fens r>u" ■, ir-tid b&r, xrJnxroo odi tuO 




" o aacio'i'iq ' J eayc 
.bcvlo;? od v/ua 


«rr ■ 


10 Jo a 


■ .: o '. cue.' mC" »'i - ■::•■ f - *■- ■■ ■■' J1 


1044^3 03 L "■ 4o.~ 4i0 ,3.4 oil 


... 1 rtei Qtfft at 

• * * • _ » r l. . • tk ! . t ~ 1 . k- • i ■ •• 


voirioB iXJtw 4 e^oqx®: 

ate 8 ff 3 _rij Xxtxaoa jeoM... xi'./ii 14/^. 'stv 

. ♦ 

* 

. 

iMBffi tol aanmoo ax % ••.'• ■•■■•■' *:•--•'- '•-•■ > 

> ' ; , • 

; o X£o.*>;I ■ c'80'vt...'■' >-i. 

' • • ' ' 

--— &U\4 ”*■ — 


obie *io*to 


• --- % • - •• 

• • • 

. 

•doiiiv: in.^di eldJ ni .aoiJi/tfHJJioo wfT " * ;'.‘i ‘ . 

V ttlAtlir XlT'-dXo Sell 

.• ■ ■ ' t& • ' 

I ,. ■ . ■ 

’’’ ’ “ ' ' . ■■.■iTieU'J&Lb tBASTtfl 'tO 


vJOf! 1 OOEXI ? sca/i o'*. 


. . V. «j 

'a ‘I't to 389815 

. . _ , ■ • • ■ ■ U1 -* flSVO 

(isyotioM. . »~irfen®s1Jio 

018 6 fqojq ‘--•■■•v ■-•• ,oaio»*t iat • 

: “ ' •> • - 

• . • J ; . . > .' . • ■ ' 



Oft 308'’ ev/'. •. " ■- : -• 'H •■•loc Oil * 


i jj y^cuztoottob bof.a : :~voc r oi* 3on frj.'.j ■ i.oo'S t~:. 3. 



98 


democracies need forums. The democracy of the forum is said to lie in 
its free speech, its heterogeneity, its civic training* But observation 
reveals several important limitations to this democracy: (l) social and 
economic opposities do not meet in the forum audience; and (2) those 
generally regarded as most in noed of democratic training - the foreign 
and underprivileged - usually do not come to forums. Moreover., 
forum directors frequently exercise a prejudice in the selection of 
speakers, in terms of their own standards of political decency. Free 
speech is a glorious slogan whose various meanings night be arranged a- 
long some such continuum as this: 

1. Free speech for all those who agree with us (generally 

for all those who support the status quo), 

2, Free speech for all who agree with us or have "under- 

standable differences* 11 

3* Free speech for all, including social pariahs* 

4, Free speech for all social pariahs, almost exclusively* 

At one end there are the conservatives or "liberals!' who in thoir re¬ 
spectable forums accopt free speech as a good, but fear ‘"too much of a 
good thing"; at the other end there are.the radicals, whose forums ex¬ 
ist to articulate the protest of the underdog. Be these things as they 
may, the forum's possible contribution to democracy cannot be denied. 

It stands for free speoch, discussions, an informed public opinion - and 
all those terns are practically synonymous with democracy. 


Forums As Adult Education 

The forum is hailed as the "educational innovation of the 
twentieth century," rising from the need of this ever nore complex world 
for constant schooling in social problems and in contemporary history. 
Just as the previous era saw the introduction of tax-supported public 
education for children, say the forum enthusiasts, so must the present 
day see the introduction of public adult education. "Share the intel¬ 
ligence" is the name of an article by Commissioner Studebaker advocating 
forums. Such phrases as "It may be fun to be fooled but it's more fun 
to know" or "foruns are essentially on experiment in mass education for 
civic literacy" illustrate this point of view. 

The need for adult education in these changing times is hard¬ 
ly a moot question. That the forum can be a method of adult education 
is equally clear. It is also clear that the forum alone, without a fol- 
fow-up of small subsidiary discussion groups and reading assignments, 
id highly inadequate. Dean Curtis Reese of Lincoln Center neatly ex¬ 
presses this limitation: "I'm very skeptical of these intellectual au¬ 
tomats where you put in your quarter and get your hour's worth of in¬ 
tellectual stimulation." Listening to a forum lecture requires in and 
of itself no sincerity of purpose; the lecture can be enjoyed and the 
few questions can be asked without rumpling the intellectual calm of the 
participators. Roto learning in public affairs is hardly less of an im- 


btv 




'•.>"> o:iT 

iono .■•fjtoU at i ,rioc 
'/ Jir/f jff."c* rc-qcjj" Ii?l? 

.* |- . a ^ . n I «> f 1 } *>,• 


. *•'v.' v ' . v.V -: ; 

:>*»*• 


* . . Y> 7 .• Liw'. 

■ ■ . 7 ' • •■-••> ■ 


.oa'ioom&b 
jot* a 3 1 

t e(fl ;V' i 
DJti'-'OfiO .0 
rileionog. 


-/iTT. rn.-’ ' 


..-Did x *■ 


»/:< 3 


ilaol : 1 




.jLijn-i w _ 


iff) /aiT-ol 
^troL'sqa 
el 

jane : .no! 


-,n 


fp avtuta arid 3i 


♦ I 


: yfi ! /. ■ , 

f. 

' W ~ • ’* 1 




‘ f lu 


_ _ . . jlr -i0l .'■••Jv-s'c 


it tao ou. 3 k 

: atdr\3oo 


■ ■ -. iln. >rf1 • :•••• ? : ii V . • 

, . • ■i'l'Z '"l ; .’1*0' $?t‘" {•'• 7 i >’ 

fitP V Vv ntxtt 

1 od V 3 i 

OflJ 

> ic'i aba f ‘ 33 t I 
ernot osods 1 

— * ■ -r--'#- ■ r- ' 

‘1 v / V! ; * -* ) » i.* * *• • * 


m m~f '*Tf ” 

. . . 0 7 »' -3 L 

^ V * 

\f *. ♦ jj x i 

r ■. y. 'i ■;. :. .,o:C i . .. . 


e J7 1 1 f« . 

: i . , :r, i'-a". 

, ! ; .’-:i. , ' •; :' > 

• ' —• l 4 1 ,j[ , 

• i .\vbs.-'\ vi 

v msp# 


. ; •• i•••..:? rv ;:j. 

. 0 ' 1 ■ ■ ^ 


‘run: 


* I / % . i OsC ’ CX£ J 7.1 ! * • fc, • * . “ y'.i * ? - . 

. • • ■, ■,• 1 ; V • /•■•::. .Vlv. • r V 

io acltnvonal Imolttioubo* ocit ar £o£i; ri .1 

. . . r rx: !,: A ;<uri 

... - ; ! '■ ' ; 

■ • r. 

:: - 

. oVv!S n '' ,; -*AoiiBOU!£v&Sec.iraldoi/fioiinl and oo» 'ifib 

in. or {3 at "&ZiM&lL 


d:oitaovt 

C. ar ioe v a., 1 r-:ico t j 1 
ivoiq osit 
b.[ irio ho^ n 


ktaavbo 


tin 

**V r. 


■■■_■ ■ ;/f • ' - ; , r’■ •• • • - -i,'•! i ' • ' • '-'i'V 

1 b&£eo% od '&d.'4fu/d - ®t - . J?J 

'at ' 

toiii ■■ ’ 


irlq /icu2 .srtnei 

rfOIOt OJ 

v or,i c. .t! X or' o 


C OI ” 

ft 


. • ; r* I >V> - W -’T 


-> i' •• 


. • ' ... ■ . ;; •. . - 
: I Pi •: ; a r - . 

•edn*)'lo . io'V. • ■ ’.-.oij* £Sa^9^f/9abb 11 30 a 'io q**—wo% 

foonU 'sjg.BaH' • a 1 >iiiO ^ 1100 ^ * © d atfp oixcui i X>i 

~I^ -lo i^I»q^v : !W».‘i* , .X2 inoijra^laiU bMJ eest^iq 

\o dticm 3 , ‘uiori 'U?o^ . 

•''jfjyo’l #X ■ luno^ ’ QptittaJhSi. LI C .V* w- T r ■.? drierr,! ' ■. .,o 1 r-j . Io 3 

, «X^3*6iaf; . 

■ M ."Xo Cfb ~.L \:t ’ ■ -'4 ' j ' 


190T1X5. on to 

rf <toc anol;f eck/p wol 
j.oH , oiodrcrol.r.- 



99 


\ 


possibility than rote learning in regular school subjects. It seems 
that some way must be found of linking forum activity with other phases 
of the community and of intellectual activity if it is to have a pene¬ 
trating effect. 


Forums as National Unity and Community 

The forum by permitting tho airing rather than the stifling of 
differences is said to give rise to a sense of community. It has al** 
ready boon noted that forums rise in times of crisis and unrest. At 
such times national unity is throated, either through war, revolution, 
or industrial strife. Forum enthusiasts recommend discussion as a sol¬ 
vent of ill-will between opposing forces within the nation. Social 
therapy is anticipated when the several parties to a conflict can be in¬ 
duced to "getting their feet Tinder the same table," Labor and capital 
(they hope) will, when put in the same room, be forced by the compulsion 
of proximity to resolve their difficulties. Likewise in time of war, 
dissenting groups will give up their separate quarrels to discuss for 
the common welfare. An example of the functioning of the forum-in this 
regard is seen in the following letter: 

Georgo Creel, Chairman 
The Secretary of State 
The Secretary of War 
Tho Secretary of the Navy 


COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC INFOBMATION 
Washington, D,C. 

February 20, 1918 


Mr. A. Lyle DeJarnett, 

International Forum Ass*n., Inc., 

1# West 11th Street, New York City, 

My dear Mr. DeJarnott, 

"Please let me thank you for your copy of outline 
for tho War Comminity Forums. Always, and especially 
since the entry of the United States into the war, havo 
I had the belief that the gathering of people into de¬ 
liberative bodies would prove the solution of most of 
the troubles that beset us. I like the forum idea, just 
as I like any other idea that brings the citizenship of 
the United States together to consult for the common 
good. In this war, we are asking nothing for ourselves 
that we do not ask for all, and the purity of our pur¬ 
pose is not stained by a single ignoble motive. The more 
we can have them discussed the better for the country. 
Most of the outcry against public assembly springs from 


to anil 
-Is 

J A 

,noiJ. 
-loa •£■ 

-cil ocf 
iniiq 
noiulxrq 

TO I 

eixtt a 


se 


I .eJoot^® Ioorfr>8 xftluao'i xii aniflirsi 9Xoi r;-nt v;i, f' issoq 
iic riv ivr \j tv Hoc mno't |BhHln to * J'G?* 3m ® 8 

-/'r oi &t $t \t iJftil&'&t*' xffrtimwoo odS to 

. tootlo. ^ni?**j4 


: ' !:::'•'. _ ; i„.. ... . • . .' - 


' i'-iSmbt t)riT _ • . 

fm/f j I «vj iiuffTiGTOO "to o art os & oi t|l4 &vl) r 'Ol fiifli'41 ac pfioiollxi 
*j vnnr; I>ra olsho "to •osi'*' sri/oc t •>* n■> £ oior. no 

yCov-.j'i ,t*w d^uoidi .Tisi'iio' # $o*« 0 ?x(*. ti 'tfixitf'IflnoltUfl 88«W 
s>: aoiaeuoali) Booflffiooo4’a$8AiaiJri4no wutrroS 'Ottawa £i- 

, ;j .! . ■ ’. .rr.'. ;.. ; . ••*>. •: . •: ■■.!: ,o.\; ’• 

MO tolltneo a o* iotd'Tnq taToviM : dr B$ifnqJs>i;fiid ai 

09 frat icxfrvl n aflicS; ’nr.. h>. 1- "tidiff ^aX43&2P 1 of 4 

. ; : booTtot 3(f ,000*1 Ofltr.S . 2- ?.i/q tf&tiw VIIiw (oqoxl ijerfj) 

rolttib liorfJ evIo*oi o4 xtlQlxQtq to 
esiUOBib oi sIolTftup oi&nsqae *ii«riJ qjy ovi§'IXiwtqtfoi^ aa> 

..• ar.oi vri* lo TjiXao 11 oni /1 o/i"./ lo diqct/vxo oA' : *o*i. r lXoT 7 ctoamoo Bd) 

:tj jj.il ^.rrl' oilol V&* «;|i nooa ai Bir^o-i 

aowtinrfO «Iso-x3 03100 S 
rv ;qyV-'jc , '"i*: Y'.^o'iooS orlT 
••' ' • ■'- ■ ; . ; f l? lo ■^tn^oio; -c oriT 

* * ’ , •; 10 • • r ": j ' 

’ 

I ,;; 0 J xr'.-rtf * •■' 

•' • 

;’ . irio't : •• •: '• * ’ 


. V . 

, .on I ,»*!' 'S.h r.»j ii I.- no a j .'Zix'C d 
f ( .wa% rfi£I 3t®V #l 


itXljt/o lo 
’XX- ilO&fJBi 


lOVS. ': 
•^xac 


ffiO'I * 


;:r 


tii iJ **ql ■ioiJ'a<j 



> 


;• 


ia: 

•- 

Y o 

c'' 

':■ ■ 

'-• . 

.- ; 



n 

orHTr 

' ■'I; ■ 

fr 

fftQ 

.; 

) *xol 




1 ! ; 

' 



r.. 

' O 

■ 

4 4 

v . . 

•.i 4 ', *\ 


h.-ori l 

j 

rO'it 

' 

. i- 

; > ' 1* ■•■• ’ 


'O' 

' 'J: 

v f J •} 

/■» ao 

, . : - '- •• 


.r ;di 

'• 


JP.OC 

*i 

• •. ■ . ■ 

>.i v. 


>6 o 


i 

J^’wx ^ 

..■ n '.. 

;*.' n 


•loi-. 


lit .0 



I 

mb OOS 

on. 1 

: r 
*, i 

lo 1 


jizn Tea ob 

or? 

irsrfi 

3i', 

ait- 

a v; 

^ b 

o ' - * *2 2 on 

si 

osaq 

r ori 

J b 

joe;. 

03 in PT.M .0 OVO’. 

ri a 

AO OW 

Udaq i 

3 Cl 4 


V sr-t cto £ ■• 4 

lo 

oecM 





100 


a distrust of democratic common sense. 

Sincerely 

(Signed) Goorgo Creel, Chairman. 

It seems ambiguous to claim that in times of foreign wars fo¬ 
rums provide "an intellectual basis for national unity." As the offi¬ 
cial "Committees on Public Information" of every war-time government 
recognized, partiotism is hardly a matter of rationality, objectivity, 
or tolerance - or any of the virtues normally associated with tho forum. 
The forum ideology of this country must have been equivocal indeed at 
the tine of tho last war to permit such a double standard of democratic 
ethics: questioning of the war before the United States bocame involved; 
unconditioned support of it afterwards. Apparently foruns then had no 
tradition of the sacredness of controversy r.nd free spoech - and to that 
extent failed in their purpose. No basis exists for assuming that a 
thoroughgoing sensitivity to propaganda has been developed, or is being 
developed by the present day foruns, either. Respectable forums seen 
universally to have one bias i.e., the bias in favor of "democracy." 

From the honage paid to democracy aB the essence of the forum creed it 
is not a far step to the slogan "ny democracy, right or wrong." Forums 
aro a non-propagandistic method of propaganda for democracy. 

Moreover, forums fail to promote a direct personal harmony 
between rich and poor, employer and employee. Even if the economic pro¬ 
blem could bo fundamentally approached by establishing a personal rela¬ 
tionship between labor and capital, the forum would bo quite impotent 
to do anything about it. For, the vertical nobility of our society is 
not free; the elite prefer - or happen - to pay their respects to the 
theory of communal oneness in the privacy of their own cliques. For 
similar reasons, it is highly doubtful whether foruns would bo "safe¬ 
guards against revolution," when revolution is actually imminent, ex¬ 
cept insofar as talk always tends to postpone acting. 


Tho Future of Forums 

If we attempt to get a less sophisticated point of view con¬ 
cerning forums by approaching the man-on-the-street and asking him in¬ 
quiring-reporter-questions, we are likely to be disappointed. The 
butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker are not forum fans. In¬ 
deed few of them are familiar with the term "forum." All the pretent- 
tious efforts to promote "democracy by discussion" fall short of their 
goal as long as the very people who are supposed to be benefitted from 
forums do not know what they are all about. 


In Times of Turmoil 

The depression and the most recent presidential election have 


001 


.oefloe /jonvaoo oijvioc r. ,, ~:o 


•it:'’'ri*T*AciD f XoG“iO o^oo{) \J box^jic, 

>-■• .'i Jj zoali ni tj &&3 ai/ilo -o^i' j Zni » tl 

* »\tlau lanoit&n io'i aisitd X ; ; o&ivo'Wj ©flu/i 

. o«13-a^w vp im . 

. ,v.3 to idi34ua 

,t Jo 10 - OOCUSlOlOif 10 


-■■ ir. v-X.L. .•;, • ’ . 

v) • ;. u ,. . i : :- 

, ; r ' • ; . 7 

: ' : . ■ ■ {U:our\i^- r 

V i •• 

:©-‘i•■ ; v .» i •-••' • 

... ; • . \ ■ a . • . ; . • i •'• : - : ' 


iooLl am.cl 


Oj'.J 


eriJ 
: ?o, rito 

f ? k rr 




I ’lit-fr SideJ 4? v • .’ ‘ 

;..... !X < 10 VJ 3 l ! tel : ' * 

tot-ifi$t -'to'*oofltb#»®‘.*W3 **'N : i.-v. . .-. 

■ ' t .'" .' ' 3on 11 

. : ; „ 7. .. • • • • 4.? V .• '••' ' ; ‘ ; . 

•_ ^ ; I * . V- • • * • “ ^ • I • * 

• :. . ib cfi '. Iti .tjjKi ••. i .. ' ■ •' ' ' ' 1 

; . f';. , : • .or>^oTqp".>'7:.' *'v V-.!' ; '• '- •• ' ' . 

,;•.*•=••• s&p&V britf > •• 

I • ■. - * . . • : • - 


• ’ U - - ' 


- . -.t 


; V . ./ i-vrSr^/Vi' 

CL - ^ “■ " 

r ' ' • •;; .' i. . ■ .,. . .. ,, r ; ; >1 • •f- ; ■. •' p ■ 

. . ... •. , . . Wtft • ‘ ... ■ - • •'■ " • " 

•■* . * w * : * 5, \ ” f - v • •'- l • 1 - f 

* . s * • . » . • ..r ■ 


[08: 

■.t 


V ‘ v : 

o ^xo84(3 

* T *:. • 

(worn 


< v i *: 




44/ 




.... ; ■ ..:•. “ •'' 


A • “ \ 


r ■ i 


: . ' -■ •••' 4. ■ ;• i :. • • 

cupfiY 9*8 iWr ; ••••■ ■: ; .1- 'jal-k c-' 


, ■ ' \ -• 

L , i as- j. ■: r.t '" forv- • ”0; .-• 

■ V ..'il 


V *» ~! 


, ! 


'■ 2 01 


.' .. . .• 

ft ‘ *f 2 ' ^ ' 

f- ' f ' -...1 


.il'-: 




« ■ • 


•« 




•- ;• I 1 .:':.-'. -J 


! 1 •*’ 


wot Jb iob 
sjicJIo es/oJtt 

iloS 4 *.'» 1.0 / 

...... . . 


•*r . » 


101 


introduced social problems which seem to require community attention 
and action* Many a forum came in on the wave of this increased publi-c 
interest, and some of them have gone out when this public interest sub¬ 
sided, The depression is no longer the exciting phenomenon it used to 
be; it may still be current history, but not news. However, the al¬ 
most daily crisis in international affairs and the heightened tempo of 
domestic politics provide incentives for discussion such as did not 
exist ten years ago. Heretofore American democracy has often been no 
more than a national heirloom to be ceremonially removed from the laven¬ 
der on the Fourth of July and the first Tuesday after the first Monday 
in November. Recently, however world events have forced it upon our 
attention as a moot question. 

Under these special circumstances it is possible that whatever 
there is in our history of an intellectual, discussional and public de¬ 
bating tradition may be recruited for public forum service. Whether or 
not the forum roaches the man-on-tho-street is partly dependent upon our 
professional adult educators (in the government and outside of it) who 
plant forum seeds in areas where the soil has never given forth forums 
before, or who offer artificial respiration to forums which have not 
boen flourishing so well* It is dependent upon the diffusion of a cul¬ 
ture pattern of forums in a period when the social situation seems fa¬ 
vorable* 


In Times of Peace and Prosperity 

There seems, moreover, to bo an opportunity, in times of calm, 
to develop a habit pattern of discussion which could provide resistance 
against the impacts and imperfections of the social order. Whether the 
forum will take advantage of this opportunity is yet to be seen. 


The Forum and the Radio 

Our view of the contemporary forum cannot be complete without 
a consideration of the important role of the radio. Time was when "fo¬ 
rum" denoted a definite place of meeting. Now, in numerous popular 
programs of which the Town Meeting of the Air is prehaps the most out¬ 
standing, we find the forum technique simulated over the radio. The 
forum no longer necessarily implies a place; it may be a vicarious ex¬ 
perience of an uncountable unseen audience. The future of discussion 
and of the forum in this country may rest no more on the popularity of 
the large public assembly than it does on the informal gathering at the 
corner grocery store - but rather on tha Increasing versatility and free¬ 
dom of the radio. Whether the radio can fully substitute for the per¬ 
sonal appearance," the community discussion group, and the protest fo¬ 
rum is, however, highly doubtful. 


■4'*^ ■ - ! ■ • • * i 

■ \ . 

- ' . • t . . • 

01 x ■ 

~r. • 

. 

C : V • • - ' : 

- .... ;• • . • •. . < • K\yt • • . ' ' ' ' 

• ■ , • • • J, t x /; a,' • •• 

, . t. 

1 

.r : 

■ 

’ in* 

■ i- •, - • . ■, :.’i- tio* C-IW oi*rfw win at 

>? 

• rj no- 


jr.h > .*r 

! 

?%; Jit 





rt4-- M • ’ 

-*■ • ■ . • ■ - • / ■ '• • ■ ■ 

* 






102 


Conclusion 


Despite its undeniable virtues - information, discussion, de¬ 
mocracy, adult education - the ‘'forum movement" has been noticed only 
by those few who wished to notice it, and support it. At least in the 
Chicago area which we have studied intensively, its affect is limited to 
only a small section - by no means a cross-section - of the population. 
This small section includes many who have derived significant benefits 
from the forums they have attended; an intellectual interest, a stim¬ 
ulus to study, an opportunity to express unpopular ideas or to become 
acquainted with them, an appreciation of people on the other side of the 
fence, a wholesome personality outlet of self-expression, and a heighten¬ 
ed awareness of tho world around them. It is likely that these inspira¬ 
tions have come from the forums of the pariahs at least as much as from 
those under more conventional sponsorship. 

Just as more study of existing forums (including those over 
the radio as well as those protest forums which have been overlooked by 
the zealots of the "forum movement") is necessary, before forum theory 
can have an empirical base, so also is more experimentation necessary 
before forum practice can be made attractive and servicable to the mas¬ 
ses of the citizenry. 


: 


• ri ;;•! . • « *"• - ’ Vl ■ 'AIMI 

'/■ -r .. . • 

- 

” r; .... ' «;.* -• . 

•V 0 -'-rt 










appendix 








FORUMS IN CHICAGO 


January 1937 


1. Adis Community Center 
4918 North Troy 

2. Anshe Emet Synagogue Forum 
Pine Grove at Grace 

3. Anthro-Cosmo Open Forum 
Fine Arts Building 

410 South Michigan Avenue 

4. Archer Road Community Forum 
Goodwill Center 

3334 South Paulina 

5. Association House Forum 
Wilson Memorial Hall 
2150 West North Avenue 

6. Avondale Forum 
Avondale M.E. Church 
George and Spaulding 

7. Beth Hamidrash Hagodol Men's Club Forum 
4601 North Lawndale Avenue 

8. Book Review Forum 
431 South Wabash 

9. Bug Club 
Washington Park 

10. Bug House Square Forum 
Clark and Walton 

11. Central Loop Forum 
Chicago Workers' School 
330 South Wells, Room 610 

12. Channing Club 

First Unitarian Church 
57 and Woodlawn Avenue 

13. Chicago Forum 

32 West Randolph Street 

14. City Club of Chicago Forum 
College Inn, Hotel Sherman 
Randolph and LaSalle 



OC&OIHO m .. IOT 


TOW ' nvoMX 




T«3fioO TfJimn si'' .1 
dii: • 

. *ro ; *u<* 03£rrc8 3:-. - *rfe«rA .Si 
£-*rO 3x «VO" 

• 

,ino'? e«3oO- -ultaA .5 

^ctitllhS. sJ*xh cmi* 

:;«v t . *;2M ri3t/o2 OX> 


. inr^. ^pf iiu ; 1 -. 0 1 -K "- tA 
'I©3:i*0 XI ? vto >oC • 
aril jb^ /13uoS *33C 

•n' ... '.: cs'^cA *3 

Ilfc-T ifliiouis:. aoBlJHlM 

. 

uro? alafcn ’vA *3 

d: -i:o el^ftnavA 

at* ■ . ii/XO ■ -■ t>*; f! Ir: ci 

BiJr.a’. - rf: : <. X03* 

■ t, : \ w*j .: ' • ‘I .8 

& ;d 3--s .e 

afxal aa*j>£iidiBfiW 


.; -: I «ox 

naJliu' 6ae X'IaIO 


« . ; 1 lz'i.Stt90 #11 

o; > jiu- i*v , oc$ 

dO':t' . no ’in-. 3c;IT 
r-'. i n?rA iimlbot-’-V t* ?3 

r..*jr -* v, ; jj: iA , ... ■ ■' : 





15. Chicago Council on Foreign Relations 
Palmer House 

State and Monroe Streets 

16. Civic Forum 
County Building 

Clark and Washington Streets 

17. Cook County League of Women Voters Forum 
225 North Michigan Avenue 

18. Douglas Community Forum 
Olivet Center 

3115 South Parkway 

19. Englewood Y.M.C.A. Forum 
6545 South Union 

20. Free Society Forum 

1241 North California Avenue 

21. Friday Morning Forum 
Lincoln Center 

700 Oakwood Boulevard 

22. Fuller Park Forum 
4500 Princeton Avenue 

23. Garfield Park Community Forum 
Garfield Park Administration Bldg. 

100 North Central Park Boulevard 

24. Humboldt Park Forum 
Yetes School 
Richmond and Cortland 

25. Hyperboreans 
Blackhawk and Sedgwick 

26. John Toman Library Forum 
4003 West 27th Street 

27. Jewish Peoples* Institute 
3500 Douglas Boulevard 

28. K.A.M. Temple Forum 

53rd Street at Drexel Boulevard 

29. Knowledge Box 

1118 West Madison Street 

30. Lawson Avenue Y.M.C.A. Forum 
30 West Chicago Avenue 


















; . - V 

; : . ' to 

i 

Ttivr.i Ml - 5 

• 

00V 

v * •• 

au ? ' tXJA . -V l • 7081 

' 

f. 

■ 

X. « 

. A.»7i 

n 







3 


31. Mid-city Workers Center Forum 
Illinois Workers Association #31 
777 West Adams Street 

32. Monday Night Labor Forum 
Illinois Workers Association # 1 
1717 North Fairfield 

33. Montparnasse - The Midwest Forum 
Diana Court Building 

540 North Michigan Avenue 

34. New England Cong*l Church Forum 
Thorne Hall 

Lake Shore Drive? at .Chicago Avenue 

35. North Avenue - Larabee Y.M.C.A. Forum 
1508 Larabee Street 

36. Olivet Institute Forum 
1441 Cleveland 

37. "On the Lips of the World" Forum 
Hamlin Park Field House 

Barry and Damen 

38. Progressive Lawyers Club of Chicago 
Old Town Inn, Hotel Sherman 
Randolph and Clark 

39. Quinn Chapel Forum 

Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church 
2401 South Wabash Avenue 

40. St. James Methodist Church Forum 
4611 South Ellis Avenue 

41. Seven Arte Club Forum 
55 East Superior 

42. Sinai Temple Forum 
4622 South Parkway 

43. Social Science Institute Forum 
708 North Clark Street 

44. Society of Friends Religious Forum 
1174 East 57th Street 

45. South Side Forum 
Wabash Avenue Y.M.C.A. 

3763 South Wabash Avenue 


at tota:;’- - ; • x3lt-bi'i .It 

% no I t :. • > el'Wi.JZ 

u»2 b rivv #*»eVf V?V 

flvnc^ to 6s: J t;r W yc/cni'A *sr 
% - i •■'.. ■*. : ■’ •--1 • • 

WalHisI xttioM VI ?I *. 

no 1 ? ' » • st* ' »•' S • 

*aiJbit;' HucC r -lu 
fli//uv& nfisirfolU rfJtoi 

rrurro* rfyruriO I *3/100 fcr. 

IIxjH carorfX 

iturrcl .A.O.M.Y o>d«*i 0 l - wmorA »fl# 

9i ctg -nTAl 30:1 

ianol .toTiXQ *<;£ 

fcv.tlttT&IO iis*! 

.turco'S "iix : :*F sxlJ lo sql iC" 

©ecoH bJ 'X* 1 ! >.:it I ai L>;, :l 

c o viand 

.• 5 ,; o:. 0 to dyiO »■’ .-.I or • r m*. rt^I 
i. ta«ii2 *JoH ,/ml nwaT JbIC 

<Ti ? > 'ilobi H 

flttHc I ioq : iaJ : p . ?•• 
dDiiix:'. . x . . xoqi.riO nnlfl9 
• x c. ' :?uo8 IC PS 

mrio*? riotudC tmio/tto * seasT. . V 5 . 0 * 
n/n si- oS IJdb 

fiUL'i r . )iZ a.i A ’ ’•: .1 

lolaoqwc JnsS x2 

. 2 . - •• 

i! 

, ! • _ ' : -O/ivJ O'c, l-'X r 'V. ,61 

turn MicIO xiJiO*' ^0^ 

*V1I 





4 


46. S»uth Side Hebrew Congregation Forum 61. 
7359 South Chappell Avenue 

47. South Side Liberty Foimm 

Hotel Hayes 62 . 

64th Street at University Avenue 

48. South Side Town Hall 
Gladstone Hotel 

62nd Street at Kenwood Avenue 

49. Sunday Discussion Group 
Lincoln Center 

700 Oakwood Boulevard 

50. Sunday Evening Round Table Club 
Bryn Mawr Community Church 
7000 Jeffery Avenue 

51* Sunday Five O’clock Forum 
Jewish Peoples Institute 
3500 Douglas Boulevard 

52. Sunday Fireside Hour Forum 
Hyde Park Y.M.C.A. 

1400 East 53rd Street 

53. Swedish Educational League Forum 
3206 Wilton 

54. Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club Forum 
4850 Bernard 

55. Temple Sholom Forum 

3480 North Lake Shore Drive 

56. Thomas Paine Forum 
Capital Building 

159 North State Street 

57. University Church of Disciples of 
Christ Forum 

5655 University Avenue 

58. Washington Boulevard Temple Forum 
25 North Karlov Avenue 

59. West Woodlawn Forum 

Illinois Workers Association #10 
6251 Champlain Avenue 

60. Women’s City Club 

6 North Michigan Avenue 

61. 


The Woodlawn Forum 
MacCormac Hall 
1170 East 63rd Street 

Young Peoples Forum 
Michigan Boulevard 
Gardens Apartments 
62 East 47th Street 


p '"cH tmalbodif *. ; v 
IlftH t> s<:S0d06ii 
• >r< b-rCa * :V )VXI 

■..uio ; aaXqn r( 

na&Xxiottt 
Rtnor^-: *a;< no5i«0 
JotnXS di •'£■ ae.tf £ : 



,X3 jsanot jioXJj n^noD wotrfaH «M3 dfu0B .3* 
t-..: .a xitqqejj dtuoe fj v* 


a©Y- . XaJoH ■ 

di'fi&vA y^tp. -ft, ’ .w-: .118 nt'o 

IIjbiH r . jT oita tm . j* 

loJof: »• ;>t8forXO 
SiraovA joew/ifr/i ;a b&? 


i 


qjDc-rO itoJ^ ?.Bi/ 08 iG yj&jxC .€> 
"O >0 nlOOrTtJ -■ 

^ ioo*r-'-0 00? 

daio *J'-> : ' anXat- '.* 5 . y • .C»C 

rir • •. ..- 50 . . .;yif 

w/novA ■ Of‘0»' 


L * 

ou ; . iei.vat 
tn&r . .,/.; ,. XswoC 002 S 


M-no’ ; . .wot! ofciee-'/^ v*. tiiQ 
.A.O.fc.^ iti? ; if ft 
&13 c ■ ’• ! f -i 001-1 

w.Ktf hX Xoao. j odirffl dai, *S 

-ix' aoac 



• • ' :■•(■- 


iTi/'j.- 'l .. <•••’. oiqciioT »5o 

oviiG o';<•, .1 ti • , o. : . ■ ,-G 1 

r^rTO? !- • / : B ’r. «d<3 

jiiiXbliyG laflqeC 

3»<r:3 8 oJo*o d:ioW £5X 


'Vo aeXqXotslQ V vJi iaU : 

latfltaTC 1*. i-idD - 
hi; xovA Y^Xe-r «vjtn«j ;3S 


” . ir off ix'off a' ■'..II 

ui'.. vA voXiaH riJioH 5S 


run o'? ovtrlbccN loTf .M 
OX’-. .,{ iiolo.-.." . ti?.viu. .vx.-..iiiil 

otfnovA ainlqn: 0 Xdsjkfl 

uf •' • . • * . ••; • jb 

ov ioYi. s^i. oXU riJaoil d 




























































































































































♦ 





















































































































































































































































































































' 


' 












































































































































. 


















































































































* 






















